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Problem-Solution Speech [Topics, Outline, Examples]

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Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

problem solution

In this article:

Problem-Solution Outline

Problem-solution examples, criminal justice, environment, relationships, teen issues.

What to include in your problem-solution speech or essay?

Problem-solution papers employ a nonfiction text structure, and typically contain the following elements:

Introduction: Introduce the problem and explain why the audience should be concerned about it.

Cause/Effect : Inform the audience on what causes the problem. In some cases, you may also need to take time to dispel common misconceptions people have about the real cause.

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Thesis Statement: The thesis typically lays out the problem and solution in the form of a question and answer. See examples below.

Solution : Explain the solution clearly and in detail, your problem-solving strategy, and reasons why your solution will work. In this section, be sure to answer common objections, such as “there is a better solution,” “your solution is too costly,” and “there are more important problems to solve.”

Call to Action: Summarize the problem and solution, and paint a picture of what will happen if your final solution is adopted. Also, let the reader know what steps they should take to help solve the problem.

These are the most used methods of developing and arranging:

Problem Solution Method Recommended if you have to argue that there is a social and current issue at stake and you have convince the listeners that you have the best solution. Introduce and provide background information to show what is wrong now.

List the best and ideal conditions and situations. Show the options. Analyze the proper criteria. And present your plan to solve the not wanted situation.

Problem Cause Solution Method Use this pattern for developing and identifying the source and its causes.

Analyze the causes and propose elucidations to the causes.

Problem Cause-Effect Method Use this method to outline the effects of the quandary and what causes it all. Prove the connection between financial, political, social causes and their effects.

Comparative Advantage Method Use this organizational public speaking pattern as recommendation in case everyone knows of the impasse and the different fixes and agrees that something has to be done.

Here are some examples of problems you could write about, with a couple of potential solutions for each one:

Marriage Problem: How do we reduce the divorce rate?

Solution 1: Change the laws to make it more difficult for couples to divorce.

Solution 2: Impose a mandatory waiting period on couples before they can get married.

Environmental Problem: What should we do to reduce the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Solution 1: Use renewable energy to fuel your home and vehicles.

Solution 2: Make recycling within local communities mandatory.

Technical Problem: How do we reduce Windows error reporting issues on PCs?

Solution 1: Learn to use dialogue boxes and other command prompt functions to keep your computer system clean.

Solution 2: Disable error reporting by making changes to the registry.

Some of the best problems to write about are those you have personal experience with. Think about your own world; the town you live in, schools you’ve attended, sports you’ve played, places you’ve worked, etc. You may find that you love problem-solution papers if you write them on a topic you identify with. To get your creativity flowing, feel free to browse our comprehensive list of problem-solution essay and paper topics and see if you can find one that interests you.

Problem-Solution Topics for Essays and Papers

  • How do we reduce murder rates in the inner cities?
  • How do we stop police brutality?
  • How do we prevent those who are innocent from receiving the death penalty?
  • How do we deal with the problem of gun violence?
  • How do we stop people from driving while intoxicated?
  • How do we prevent people from texting while driving?
  • How do we stop the growing child trafficking problem?
  • What is the best way to deal with domestic violence?
  • What is the best way to rehabilitate ex-cons?
  • How do we deal with the problem of overcrowded prisons?
  • How do we reduce binge drinking on college campuses?
  • How do we prevent sexual assaults on college campuses?
  • How do we make college tuition affordable?
  • What can students do to get better grades in college?
  • What is the best way for students to effectively balance their classes, studies, work, and social life?
  • What is the best way for college students to deal with a problem roommate?
  • How can college students overcome the problem of being homesick?
  • How can college students manage their finances more effectively?
  • What is the best way for college students to decide on a major?
  • What should be done about the problem of massive student loan debts?
  • How do we solve the global debt crisis?
  • How do we keep countries from employing child labor?
  • How do we reduce long-term unemployment?
  • How do we stop businesses from exploiting consumers?
  • How do we reduce inflation and bring down the cost of living?
  • How do we reduce the home foreclosure rate?
  • What should we do to discourage consumer debt?
  • What is the best way to stimulate economic growth?
  • How do we lower the prime cost of manufacturing raw materials?
  • How can book retailers deal with rising bookseller inventory costs and stay competitive with online sellers?
  • How do we prevent kids from cheating on exams?
  • How do we reduce the illiteracy rate?
  • How do we successfully integrate English as a Second Language (ESL) students into public schools?
  • How do we put an end to the problem of bullying in schools?
  • How do we effectively teach students life management skills?
  • How do we give everyone access to a quality education?
  • How do we develop a system to increase pay for good teachers and get rid of bad ones?
  • How do we teach kids to problem solve?
  • How should schools deal with the problem of disruptive students?
  • What can schools do to improve reading comprehension on standardized test scores?
  • What is the best way to teach sex education in public schools?
  • How do we teach students to recognize a noun clause?
  • How do we teach students the difference between average speed and average velocity?
  • How do we teach math students to use sign charts?
  • How can we make public education more like the Webspiration Classroom?
  • How do we stop pollution in major population centers?
  • How do we reduce the negative effects of climate change?
  • How do we encourage homeowners to lower their room temperature in the winter to reduce energy consumption?
  • What is the best way to preserve our precious natural resources?
  • How do we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels?
  • What is the best way to preserve the endangered wildlife?
  • What is the best way to ensure environmental justice?
  • How can we reduce the use of plastic?
  • How do we make alternative energy affordable?
  • How do we develop a sustainable transportation system?
  • How can we provide quality health care to all our citizens?
  • How do we incentivize people to stop smoking?
  • How do we address the growing doctor shortage?
  • How do we curb the growing obesity epidemic?
  • How do we reduce dependence on prescription drugs?
  • How do we reduce consumption of harmful substances like phosphoric acid and acetic acid?
  • How can we reduce the number of fatal hospital errors?
  • How do we handle the health costs of people living longer?
  • How can we encourage people to live healthier lifestyles?
  • How do we educate consumers on the risk of laxatives like magnesium hydroxide?
  • How do we end political corruption?
  • How do we address the problem of election fraud?
  • What is the best way to deal with rogue nations that threaten our survival?
  • What can our leaders do to bring about world peace?
  • How do we encourage students to become more active in the political process?
  • What can be done to encourage bipartisanship?
  • How can we prevent terrorism?
  • How do we protect individual privacy while keeping the country safe?
  • How can we encourage better candidates to run for office?
  • How do we force politicians to live by the rules they impose on everyone else?
  • What is the best way to get out of a bad relationship?
  • How do we prevent cyberbullying?
  • What is the best solution for depression?
  • How do you find out where you stand in a relationship?
  • What is the best way to help people who make bad life choices?
  • How can we learn to relate to people of different races and cultures?
  • How do we discourage humans from using robots as a substitute for relationships?
  • What is the best way to deal with a long-distance relationship?
  • How do we eliminate stereotypical thinking in relationships?
  • How do you successfully navigate the situation of dating a co-worker?
  • How do we deal with America’s growing drug problem?
  • How do we reduce food waste in restaurants?
  • How do we stop race and gender discrimination?
  • How do we stop animal cruelty?
  • How do we ensure that all citizens earn a livable wage?
  • How do we end sexual harassment in the workplace?
  • How do we deal with the water scarcity problem?
  • How do we effectively control the world’s population?
  • How can we put an end to homelessness?
  • How do we solve the world hunger crisis?
  • How do we address the shortage of parking spaces in downtown areas?
  • How can our cities be made more bike- and pedestrian-friendly?
  • How do we balance the right of free speech and the right not to be abused?
  • How can we encourage people to use public transportation?
  • How do we bring neighborhoods closer together?
  • How can we eliminate steroid use in sports?
  • How do we protect players from serious injuries?
  • What is the best way to motivate young athletes?
  • What can be done to drive interest in local sports?
  • How do players successfully prepare for a big game or match?
  • How should the revenue from professional sports be divided between owners and players?
  • What can be done to improve local sports venues?
  • What can be done to ensure parents and coaches are not pushing kids too hard in sports?
  • How can student athletes maintain high academic standards while playing sports?
  • What can athletes do to stay in shape during the off-season?
  • How do we reduce teen pregnancy?
  • How do we deal with the problem of teen suicide?
  • How do we keep teens from dropping out of high school?
  • How do we train teens to be safer drivers?
  • How do we prevent teens from accessing pornography on the Internet?
  • What is the best way to help teens with divorced parents?
  • How do we discourage teens from playing violent video games?
  • How should parents handle their teens’ cell phone and social media use?
  • How do we prepare teens to be better workers?
  • How do we provide a rational decision-making model for teens?
  • How do we keep companies from mining our private data online and selling it for profit?
  • How do we prevent artificial intelligence robots from taking over society?
  • How do we make high-speed internet accessible in rural areas?
  • How do we stop hackers from breaking into our systems and networks?
  • How do we make digital payments more secure?
  • How do we make self-driving vehicles safer?
  • What is the best way to improve the battery life of mobile devices?
  • How can we store energy gleaned from solar and wind power?
  • What is the best way to deal with information overload?
  • How do we stop computer makers from pre-installing Internet Explorer?

Compare and Contrast Speech [Topics and Examples]

Proposal Speech [Tips + 10 Examples]

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Problem Solution Speech Topics, Outline & Examples

delivering problem-solution speech

The problem solution speech is a type of informative speech that enumerates various problems and provides possible solutions to those problems.

If you have been asked to give such a speech, your goal should be to explain the problem and provide realistic and achievable suggestions to address it. In most cases, problem solution speeches are given with the hope that the audience will be inspired to do something about the problems that they are facing.

There are many pressing issues in society today that could be considered ripe material for a problem solution speech. For example, racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, and ageism are all major social problems that need to be addressed.

Of course, you can’t just pick any old problem and start talking about it – you need to make sure that your topic is something that your audience will actually care about and be interested in hearing.

Problem-Solution Speech Outline

The key to delivering an effective problem-solution speech is to develop an outline and a step-by-step plan that will help focus on different parts of your speech.

Here is a basic outline that you can use for your problem-solution speech:

Introduction

Introduce yourself and give a brief overview of the problem that you will be discussing. This is also where you will need to state your thesis – that is, what solution you think is best for the problem.

Make sure that you are concise and to the point – you don’t want to give your audience too much information, as they will likely tune out if you do.

Thesis/Statement of the problem

Explain what the problem is that you will be discussing. This is where you will need to do your research and really dig into the details of the issue so it is interesting and your speech has gravity.

Also, make sure that your problem is something that can actually be solved – there is no point in discussing a problem if there is no possible solution.

Cause/Effect

Discuss the causes of the problem and the effects that it has on different people or groups. This is where you will really start to get into the nitty-gritty of your topic and show your audience that you understand the issue at hand.

Make sure to back up any claims that you make with research or data so that your speech is credible. Use attention getters to hook your audience and keep them interested.

Potential solutions

This is the meat of your problem-solution speech. Discuss different potential solutions to the problem and explain why you think they would be effective.

Again, make sure to back up your claims with research or data so that your audience knows that you have thoughtfully considered the issue and possible solutions. Keep it realistic – don’t propose a solution that is impossible to achieve.

Call to action

You have now armed your audience with the knowledge of the problem and potential solutions – now what? You will need to challenge your audience to actually do something about the issue.

This could be something as simple as signing a petition or donating to a cause, or it could be something more ambitious like starting a new organization or campaign. Whatever you choose, make sure it is achievable and that your audience knows how they can take action.

Use the outline above to tailor the specifics of your speech to fit your particular audience and situation and deliver an effective problem-solution speech.

Problem-Solution Presentation Techniques

Once you have your outline ready, it’s time to start working on your delivery. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare your problem-solution speech:

  • Be passionate : This is not the time for a dry, academic approach. You need to be enthusiastic about the issue at hand and really sell your audience on why they should care.
  • Be clear : Make sure that your audience understands the problem and potential solutions. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon.
  • Be concise : Remember, you only have a limited amount of time to make your case. Get to the point and don’t ramble.
  • Use stories : A personal story or anecdote can be a powerful way to connect with your audience and make your speech more relatable.
  • Use visuals : Visual aids can be a great way to engage your audience and break up your speech. Just make sure that they are clear and easy to understand.
  • Practice, practice, practice : The only way to get comfortable with delivering a problem-solution speech is to practice it as much as you can. So get in front of a mirror, or even better, ask a friend or family member to listen to you and give feedback. The more you practice, the more confident you will be and overcome your fear of public speaking .

Problem-Solution Speech Topics

1. How can we make sure that all animals are treated humanely?

2. What are the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to animal welfare?

3. How can we make sure that all animals have access to proper care and shelter?

4. Why should we care about animal rights?

5. Why is wildlife conservation important?

6. Why animal testing is cruel?

7. Why should the exotic pet trade be stopped?

9. What can we do about the food industry and mass animal killing?

1. How can we make sure that our technology is accessible to everyone?

2. What are the most important things to keep in mind when using social media?

3. How can we make sure that our online information is safe and secure?

4. What should we do about cyberbullying?

6. How can we make sure that our technology is sustainable?

7. What are the most important things to keep in mind when using new technology?

8. How can we make sure that our technology is user-friendly?

9. What should we do about outdated technology?

10. How can we make sure that our technology is accessible to people with disabilities?

11. What are the most important things to keep in mind when using technology in the classroom?

12. How can we make sure that our technology is used for good and not for evil?

13. What should we do about the digital divide?

14. How can we make sure that our technology is used responsibly?

15. What should we do about the growing problem of e-waste?

16. What are the most important things to keep in mind when using technology in the workplace?

17. What should we do about the increasing dependence on technology?

Relationships

1. How can we improve communication in relationships?

2. What are the biggest problems faced by long-distance relationships?

3. How can we make sure that our relationships are built on trust?

4. What causes jealousy in relationships and how can it be overcome?

5. When is it time to end a relationship?

6. How can we deal with infidelity in a relationship?

7. How can we make sure that our relationships are healthy and balanced?

8. What causes arguments in relationships and how can they be resolved?

9. What are the most important things to keep in mind when raising a family?

10. How can single parents make sure that their children are getting the attention they need?

11. What effect does social media have on relationships?

12. How can we make sure that our relationship with our parents is healthy and supportive?

13. What should we do when our friends or family get into a toxic relationship?

14. How can we deal with envy or jealousy within our friendships?

15. How can we deal with a friend or family member who is going through a tough break-up?

16. How can new relationships be started off on the right foot?

17. What are the most important things to keep in mind when moving in with a partner?

18. What should we do when our relationship starts to fizzle out?

19. How can we deal with the death of a loved one?

20. How can therapy help us improve our relationships?

Social Issues

1. How can we make sure that everyone has access to clean water?

2. What are the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to food security?

3. How can we make sure that all children have access to education?

4. What are the most effective ways of helping people who are homeless?

5. How can we make sure that everyone has access to healthcare?

6. What are the most effective ways of combating climate change?

7. How can we make sure that our cities are sustainable?

8. What are the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to transportation?

9. How can we make sure that our economy is fair and just?

10. What are the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to social inequality?

11. How can we make sure that our government is effective and efficient?

12. What are the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to voting?

13. How can we make sure that our media is responsible and ethical?

14. What are the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to privacy?

15. How can we make sure that our technology is used responsibly?

16. What are the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to security?

17. How can we make sure that our world is peaceful?

18. What are the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to human rights?

19. How can we make sure that our world is sustainable?

20. What are the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to the environment?

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17.3 Organizing Persuasive Speeches

Learning objectives.

  • Understand three common organizational patterns for persuasive speeches.
  • Explain the steps utilized in Monroe’s motivated sequence.
  • Explain the parts of a problem-cause-solution speech.
  • Explain the process utilized in a comparative advantage persuasive speech.

A classroom of attentive listeners

Steven Lilley – Engaged – CC BY-SA 2.0.

Previously in this text we discussed general guidelines for organizing speeches. In this section, we are going to look at three organizational patterns ideally suited for persuasive speeches: Monroe’s motivated sequence, problem-cause-solution, and comparative advantages.

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

One of the most commonly cited and discussed organizational patterns for persuasive speeches is Alan H. Monroe’s motivated sequence. The purpose of Monroe’s motivated sequence is to help speakers “sequence supporting materials and motivational appeals to form a useful organizational pattern for speeches as a whole” (German et al., 2010).

While Monroe’s motivated sequence is commonly discussed in most public speaking textbooks, we do want to provide one minor caution. Thus far, almost no research has been conducted that has demonstrated that Monroe’s motivated sequence is any more persuasive than other structural patterns. In the only study conducted experimentally examining Monroe’s motivated sequence, the researchers did not find the method more persuasive, but did note that audience members found the pattern more organized than other methods (Micciche, Pryor, & Butler, 2000). We wanted to add this sidenote because we don’t want you to think that Monroe’s motivated sequence is a kind of magic persuasive bullet; the research simply doesn’t support this notion. At the same time, research does support that organized messages are perceived as more persuasive as a whole, so using Monroe’s motivated sequence to think through one’s persuasive argument could still be very beneficial.

Table 17.1 “Monroe’s Motivated Sequence” lists the basic steps of Monroe’s motivated sequence and the subsequent reaction a speaker desires from his or her audience.

Table 17.1 Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

The first step in Monroe’s motivated sequence is the attention step , in which a speaker attempts to get the audience’s attention. To gain an audience’s attention, we recommend that you think through three specific parts of the attention step. First, you need to have a strong attention-getting device. As previously discussed in Chapter 9 “Introductions Matter: How to Begin a Speech Effectively” , a strong attention getter at the beginning of your speech is very important. Second, you need to make sure you introduce your topic clearly. If your audience doesn’t know what your topic is quickly, they are more likely to stop listening. Lastly, you need to explain to your audience why they should care about your topic.

In the need step of Monroe’s motivated sequence, the speaker establishes that there is a specific need or problem. In Monroe’s conceptualization of need, he talks about four specific parts of the need: statement, illustration, ramification, and pointing. First, a speaker needs to give a clear and concise statement of the problem. This part of a speech should be crystal clear for an audience. Second, the speaker needs to provide one or more examples to illustrate the need. The illustration is an attempt to make the problem concrete for the audience. Next, a speaker needs to provide some kind of evidence (e.g., statistics, examples, testimony) that shows the ramifications or consequences of the problem. Lastly, a speaker needs to point to the audience and show exactly how the problem relates to them personally.

Satisfaction

In the third step of Monroe’s motivated sequence, the satisfaction step , the speaker sets out to satisfy the need or solve the problem. Within this step, Monroe (1935) proposed a five-step plan for satisfying a need:

  • Explanation
  • Theoretical demonstration
  • Reference to practical experience
  • Meeting objections

First, you need to clearly state the attitude, value, belief, or action you want your audience to accept. The purpose of this statement is to clearly tell your audience what your ultimate goal is.

Second, you want to make sure that you clearly explain to your audience why they should accept the attitude, value, belief, or action you proposed. Just telling your audience they should do something isn’t strong enough to actually get them to change. Instead, you really need to provide a solid argument for why they should accept your proposed solution.

Third, you need to show how the solution you have proposed meets the need or problem. Monroe calls this link between your solution and the need a theoretical demonstration because you cannot prove that your solution will work. Instead, you theorize based on research and good judgment that your solution will meet the need or solve the problem.

Fourth, to help with this theoretical demonstration, you need to reference practical experience, which should include examples demonstrating that your proposal has worked elsewhere. Research, statistics, and expert testimony are all great ways of referencing practical experience.

Lastly, Monroe recommends that a speaker respond to possible objections. As a persuasive speaker, one of your jobs is to think through your speech and see what counterarguments could be made against your speech and then rebut those arguments within your speech. When you offer rebuttals for arguments against your speech, it shows your audience that you’ve done your homework and educated yourself about multiple sides of the issue.

Visualization

The next step of Monroe’s motivated sequence is the visualization step , in which you ask the audience to visualize a future where the need has been met or the problem solved. In essence, the visualization stage is where a speaker can show the audience why accepting a specific attitude, value, belief, or behavior can positively affect the future. When helping people to picture the future, the more concrete your visualization is, the easier it will be for your audience to see the possible future and be persuaded by it. You also need to make sure that you clearly show how accepting your solution will directly benefit your audience.

According to Monroe, visualization can be conducted in one of three ways: positive, negative, or contrast (Monroe, 1935). The positive method of visualization is where a speaker shows how adopting a proposal leads to a better future (e.g., recycle, and we’ll have a cleaner and safer planet). Conversely, the negative method of visualization is where a speaker shows how not adopting the proposal will lead to a worse future (e.g., don’t recycle, and our world will become polluted and uninhabitable). Monroe also acknowledged that visualization can include a combination of both positive and negative visualization. In essence, you show your audience both possible outcomes and have them decide which one they would rather have.

The final step in Monroe’s motivated sequence is the action step , in which a speaker asks an audience to approve the speaker’s proposal. For understanding purposes, we break action into two distinct parts: audience action and approval. Audience action refers to direct physical behaviors a speaker wants from an audience (e.g., flossing their teeth twice a day, signing a petition, wearing seat belts). Approval, on the other hand, involves an audience’s consent or agreement with a speaker’s proposed attitude, value, or belief.

When preparing an action step, it is important to make sure that the action, whether audience action or approval, is realistic for your audience. Asking your peers in a college classroom to donate one thousand dollars to charity isn’t realistic. Asking your peers to donate one dollar is considerably more realistic. In a persuasive speech based on Monroe’s motivated sequence, the action step will end with the speech’s concluding device. As discussed elsewhere in this text, you need to make sure that you conclude in a vivid way so that the speech ends on a high point and the audience has a sense of energy as well as a sense of closure.

Now that we’ve walked through Monroe’s motivated sequence, let’s look at how you could use Monroe’s motivated sequence to outline a persuasive speech:

Specific Purpose: To persuade my classroom peers that the United States should have stronger laws governing the use of for-profit medical experiments.

Main Points:

  • Attention: Want to make nine thousand dollars for just three weeks of work lying around and not doing much? Then be a human guinea pig. Admittedly, you’ll have to have a tube down your throat most of those three weeks, but you’ll earn three thousand dollars a week.
  • Need: Every day many uneducated and lower socioeconomic-status citizens are preyed on by medical and pharmaceutical companies for use in for-profit medical and drug experiments. Do you want one of your family members to fall prey to this evil scheme?
  • Satisfaction: The United States should have stronger laws governing the use of for-profit medical experiments to ensure that uneducated and lower-socioeconomic-status citizens are protected.
  • Visualization: If we enact tougher experiment oversight, we can ensure that medical and pharmaceutical research is conducted in a way that adheres to basic values of American decency. If we do not enact tougher experiment oversight, we could find ourselves in a world where the lines between research subject, guinea pig, and patient become increasingly blurred.
  • Action: In order to prevent the atrocities associated with for-profit medical and pharmaceutical experiments, please sign this petition asking the US Department of Health and Human Services to pass stricter regulations on this preying industry that is out of control.

This example shows how you can take a basic speech topic and use Monroe’s motivated sequence to clearly and easily outline your speech efficiently and effectively.

Table 17.2 “Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Checklist” also contains a simple checklist to help you make sure you hit all the important components of Monroe’s motivated sequence.

Table 17.2 Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Checklist

Problem-Cause-Solution

Another format for organizing a persuasive speech is the problem-cause-solution format. In this specific format, you discuss what a problem is, what you believe is causing the problem, and then what the solution should be to correct the problem.

Specific Purpose: To persuade my classroom peers that our campus should adopt a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech.

  • Demonstrate that there is distrust among different groups on campus that has led to unnecessary confrontations and violence.
  • Show that the confrontations and violence are a result of hate speech that occurred prior to the events.
  • Explain how instituting a campus-wide zero-tolerance policy against hate speech could stop the unnecessary confrontations and violence.

In this speech, you want to persuade people to support a new campus-wide policy calling for zero-tolerance of hate speech. Once you have shown the problem, you then explain to your audience that the cause of the unnecessary confrontations and violence is prior incidents of hate speech. Lastly, you argue that a campus-wide zero-tolerance policy could help prevent future unnecessary confrontations and violence. Again, this method of organizing a speech is as simple as its name: problem-cause-solution.

Comparative Advantages

The final method for organizing a persuasive speech is called the comparative advantages speech format. The goal of this speech is to compare items side-by-side and show why one of them is more advantageous than the other. For example, let’s say that you’re giving a speech on which e-book reader is better: Amazon.com’s Kindle or Barnes and Nobles’ Nook. Here’s how you could organize this speech:

Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience that the Nook is more advantageous than the Kindle.

  • The Nook allows owners to trade and loan books to other owners or people who have downloaded the Nook software, while the Kindle does not.
  • The Nook has a color-touch screen, while the Kindle’s screen is black and grey and noninteractive.
  • The Nook’s memory can be expanded through microSD, while the Kindle’s memory cannot be upgraded.

As you can see from this speech’s organization, the simple goal of this speech is to show why one thing has more positives than something else. Obviously, when you are demonstrating comparative advantages, the items you are comparing need to be functional equivalents—or, as the saying goes, you cannot compare apples to oranges.

Key Takeaways

  • There are three common patterns that persuaders can utilize to help organize their speeches effectively: Monroe’s motivated sequence, problem-cause-solution, and comparative advantage. Each of these patterns can effectively help a speaker think through his or her thoughts and organize them in a manner that will be more likely to persuade an audience.
  • Alan H. Monroe’s (1935) motivated sequence is a commonly used speech format that is used by many people to effectively organize persuasive messages. The pattern consists of five basic stages: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization, and action. In the first stage, a speaker gets an audience’s attention. In the second stage, the speaker shows an audience that a need exists. In the third stage, the speaker shows how his or her persuasive proposal could satisfy the need. The fourth stage shows how the future could be if the persuasive proposal is or is not adopted. Lastly, the speaker urges the audience to take some kind of action to help enact the speaker’s persuasive proposal.
  • The problem-cause-solution proposal is a three-pronged speech pattern. The speaker starts by explaining the problem the speaker sees. The speaker then explains what he or she sees as the underlying causes of the problem. Lastly, the speaker proposes a solution to the problem that corrects the underlying causes.
  • The comparative advantages speech format is utilized when a speaker is comparing two or more things or ideas and shows why one of the things or ideas has more advantages than the other(s).
  • Create a speech using Monroe’s motivated sequence to persuade people to recycle.
  • Create a speech using the problem-cause-solution method for a problem you see on your college or university campus.
  • Create a comparative advantages speech comparing two brands of toothpaste.

German, K. M., Gronbeck, B. E., Ehninger, D., & Monroe, A. H. (2010). Principles of public speaking (17th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon, p. 236.

Micciche, T., Pryor, B., & Butler, J. (2000). A test of Monroe’s motivated sequence for its effects on ratings of message organization and attitude change. Psychological Reports, 86 , 1135–1138.

Monroe, A. H. (1935). Principles and types of speech . Chicago, IL: Scott Foresman.

Stand up, Speak out Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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253 Easy Problem Solution Speech Topics for 2024

Well, here’s the good news: those pesky problem and solution essays can be way better. All you need is an easy topic.

Primary steps in Problem Solving.

Here’s even better news: we’ve already compiled a list of 253 simple problem solution speech and essay topics for you.

  • 🎓 Topics for College Students
  • 🗣 Speech Topics
  • 📝 Essay Topics
  • 💊 Solutions

✅ Problem Solution Speech Examples

📍 problem-solution speech topics 2024.

  • How to deal with school bullying?
  • Air pollution: sources, effects, and prevention measures.
  • What are the efficient ways of dealing with cyberbullying?
  • Google’s corporate strategy, problems, and solutions.
  • Better education for special needs children.
  • What measures can be implemented to tame the problem of homelessness?
  • How to incorporate healthy eating habits into your daily routine?
  • How to improve teacher’s performance and development?
  • Steps to improve healthcare organizations.
  • Best methods to educate the public about the most common health issues.
  • Ways to improve communication between schools and the community.
  • How can child obesity in the United States be solved?
  • How can lean project management improve developmental activities?
  • Climate change: impact and possible solutions.
  • How to reduce drunk driving incidents to a minimum.

🔧 Problem-Solution Speech. Manual

You might be wondering what a problem-solution is?

If you have never heard of such a term before, it should still be pretty straightforward that it deals with solving problems.

This article is created specifically for people who need a little extra inspiration and guidance in creating a problem solution speech or essay.

We will start with an overview of several vital aspects. 👇

Challenges of Problem Solution Speech Topics

What do we have to deal with when talking about problem solution topics in the first place?

  • Problem-solution scenario appears to play an essential role in the modern world. It finds application in various areas of our lives, especially in business, education, and government-related fields.
  • It is more than just sharing the view. The main aim of any problem-solution speech is to encourage the audience to take some action or support a particular idea.

Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth!

  • Defining the problem clearly. You should gather enough evidence to prove that the issue is quite severe and needs attendance immediately.
  • Everyone should be able to understand the details. Your speech needs to be comprehensive, and its central idea – easy to grasp.
  • Are people aware of your problem? Do they all realize its seriousness? There should be a short introduction if your target audience doesn’t understand the relevance of the topic.
  • Research your listeners. Your main goal is to gain audience support – be aware of all the biases they are susceptible to. Find counterarguments to their opposing arguments.
  • Creating convincing arguments. However, this issue should be discussed separately since every topic needs a personalized approach.
  • Don’t forget to use a reasonable tone and respect your audience. Being polite and open to criticism is essential for your reputation as a serious author.

Strategies for Creative Problem Solving

You already picked a problem?

Here are helpful solution options you need to know.

The most important thing is to make the solution practical and effective.

  • Suggest adding something to the existing problem . For example, many social and cultural issues would be resolved if they received additional funding or staff. The opposite approach might be as practical – removing the source of the problem. So, it’s not an issue anymore.
  • Creating and enforcing specific rules or laws. It might be applied in various areas, especially in the governmental field of work and education.
  • Educate and motivate people. Some of the main reasons for existing social and health problems are that people are not aware of what they should do or simply lack motivation. It appears to be the focus of campaigns against drugs, smoking, and alcohol.
  • Offer to make some changes in the method . It sometimes happens that a specific instrument does not work for everyone, so it should be changed. Another example is implementing successful marketing campaigns for various products.
  • Probably the current leadership and strategy do not work. In human resources, education, and any area that needs a problem solution, this strategy might be the most effective.

Changing the leadership King ->People.

Problem and Solution Text Structure

The structure of any problem-solution speech or presentation is relatively universal. Even though there are two main types of outline used, the components tend to stay the same.

You should always introduce the situation , helping your listeners understand the problem’s background. Then, you should define the issue itself , explaining its urgency and significance. After that, it is time to present your solution . In the end, there is usually a quick overview of the speech and a call for action .

Problem and Solution Structure.

The methods for outlining your problem solution speech are known for those who have experience in writing essays:

  • The block method divides your speech into sections according to the categories. That is, first, you state all problems you have to address. Then make a short transition paragraph. Only then explain the solutions for the issues you discussed previously.

Block Method structure of a problem-solution speech.

  • The chain method has the same main components but is different in structure. Each time you talk about a problem, you need to discuss a solution. Therefore, if you want to address three issues, there should be three parts of the main body solving each problem at a time.

Chain Method structure of a problem-solution speech.

🎓 Problem Solution Speech Topics for College Students

Now, let’s get to the examples of the most relevant issues of today:

  • How to prevent the increase in temperatures predicted to reach a dangerous point by the year 2100?
  • How poverty causes crime, and is there a way to deal with it?
  • What are the causes and possible solutions to India’s increasing death toll related to low air quality?
  • How to take China out of the risk of losing the economy’s growth in the next several decades?
  • How can the problem of posing education be solved?
  • Total factor productivity: the issues with evaluating India’s output that shows productivity growth.
  • Stagnating productivity as the cause of the unequal distribution of the world’s wealth. What are the solutions?
  • Green Construction as an answer to environmental challenges.
  • How to prevent the unemployment rates from increasing due to artificial intelligence development?
  • How to achieve team cohesion?
  • Technology as a threat to privacy and ways to deal with the problem?
  • Best ways to address the health needs of an aging population.
  • Webster University’s problems and solutions.
  • How to protect societies from health issues related to overeating and low physical activity?
  • The causes of air pollution and possible solutions.
  • Practical solutions for the rising demand for talented employees in the STEM areas and lack of candidates.
  • Is the driverless vehicle a solution to the high rates of death in the crushes on the roadways?
  • Architecture and urbanism: how can more ecological and equitable cities be built with the latest technologies?
  • How to improve your teamwork performance?
  • What are the ways to reduce the cases of domestic violence in our society?
  • Human genomes : how to avoid mistakes made while implementing any intelligence and lifespan enhancement tools?
  • What are the most effective strategies suitable for diagnosing, treating, and preventing drug-resistant infections from becoming a threat?
  • A step towards resolving financial issues facing U.S. higher education.
  • Global development: how should the latest technologies in health, education, and nutrition be distributed among societies?
  • Which strategies for dealing with epidemics and preparation methods can help prevent future global outbreaks?
  • Technical urban planning : how should it be improved so that developing cities can find better solutions to increased global carbon emissions?

🎤 Easy Problem Solution Speech Topics

Someone may find these issues trifling, but try to solve them 😊

  • How the lack of self-confidence affects your life and ways to deal with it.
  • The problem of fast fashion and ways to deal with it.
  • The problem of sexual assault and possible solutions.
  • Mental health problems: how can an open discussion be encouraged in our society?
  • The challenges of consumerism culture and ways to solve them.
  • Why do so many people face an existential crisis , and are there any ways to deal with the issue?
  • What are the right ways to resolve the ethical issue of advertising a harmful product?
  • How has texting affected face-to-face communication, and what are the possible solutions to the problem?
  • How can music prevent insomnia and improve your sleeping habits?
  • How informal organization creates problems for managers, and how can these issues be redressed?
  • Is including sex education in the program as a complete course can help to prevent early pregnancy?
  • Can becoming a volunteer solve the self-confidence problem?
  • Gender-specific bathrooms: what is a better way to prevent sexual assaults?
  • Excluding all the personal information details from the CV to reduce job market discrimination.
  • How does donating and recycling clothes help with the world poverty issue?
  • Student parking problem and ways to deal with it.
  • What are the best ways to reduce stress and anxiety?
  • Open discussions and effective communication at the workplace as the ultimate problem-solving approach .
  • Some universities are not as diverse as others. How can a college attract students from various backgrounds?
  • Social fatigue: how can spending some time alone help fight it?
  • Best ways to address various academic and learning challenges.
  • Educating couples about proper budgeting as the way to prevent money-related conflicts.
  • Reducing stress from social activity by planning daily routine.
  • Legalizing medical marijuana : issues and solutions.
  • The effect of social media on adolescents and possible interventions to limit the negative outcomes.
  • Why is implementing a vegetarian diet one of the best ways to fight obesity?
  • Psychological and physiological reasons why chewing gum helps with smoking addiction .
  • Risks of medical tourism and some possible solutions .
  • Consumption of a specific amount of red wine as a way to help with stomach ulcers.
  • Contradictory but effective solution: taking selfies to boost self-confidence .
  • How well does online video chatting help sustain an excellent long-distance relationship ?
  • How can online fundraising campaigns help even more people in need?
  • Do newspapers switching to online bases helps to reduce waste?
  • Paper and reusable bags as an easy way to help reduce plastic waste.
  • How strict should be water filtration rules to reduce water pollution?
  • Planting trees as a way to deal with deforestation.
  • Walking as the means of solving both pollution and health issues.
  • How to better prepare students for adult life in the USA.
  • How does setting up more drinking fountains help with reducing plastic pollution ?
  • What are the ways to increase attendance at sports events?

🍭 Problem Solution Persuasive Speech Topics

The persuasive approach is mainly different from the other with the tone of your speech. It needs to be encouraging and trustworthy enough so that your audience accepts your idea. In case you wonder what are the best problem solution persuasive speech topics, here are some examples:

  • How to get at least eight hours of sleep every day, and why is it an issue?
  • The strategies to stop the increased consumption of sugar that leads to obesity.
  • The problem of school counseling: why do Professional School Counselors Need to Pay Attention to Ethics?
  • The ways to avoid the negative influence of hate towards religions on societies.
  • How to introduce more gender-neutral concepts to the job market.
  • Teaching gender and equal rights at schools to help decrease gender-related social issues .
  • Paper recycling as a way to deal with environmental issues.
  • Internships for all college students as the solution to high unemployment rates.
  • More frequent evaluation of teachers as the way to fix educational issues.
  • Social media regulated by university administration: putting an end to suicides .
  • Resistance to change in organizations: problems and solutions.
  • Introducing intercultural studies and foreign language classes at school to fight biases.
  • New technologies: the ways to encourage people to start reading books .
  • The problem of expensive education: why should community colleges be free?
  • The necessity to implement cyber courts to help with the issue of cyberbullying.
  • The ways that science and religion can co-exist to reduce worldwide conflicts.
  • Allowing students to make jokes in class as a way to make education more engaging.
  • Can going online improve the existing education system?
  • Saving endangered species: can the government’s involvement help to solve the problem?
  • Having a pet as a way to deal with emotional stress and anxiety for college students.
  • How can cultural diversity benefit the business?
  • How do we prevent job discrimination related to race and religion?
  • Free professional help for divorced people as a means to prevent serious psychological issues .
  • How can listening to sad songs help people release their emotions when they are upset?
  • The difficulties of learning: how can music improve your academic performance?
  • Radical solutions: legalizing marijuana as a way of preventing crimes related to drugs.
  • Allowing people with tattoos to get any job helps increase tolerance and empathy.
  • Psychology: the art of being happy as a mandatory class in colleges for increasing mental health.
  • Learning a second language as a way toward self-improvement.
  • Strict policy regarding dating at the workplace as the means to prevent conflicts.
  • Practical strategies for fighting and elevating poverty around the globe.

✨ Problem Cause Solution Speech Topics

Problem-cause-solution speech is a very effective way to persuade your audience that you are a reliable expert. It requires you to analyze the causes of the issue in detail and come up with the best solution!

  • The leading causes of binge drinking on college campuses and the ways to eliminate it.
  • What are the decisive reasons for the high car accident rate, and how do we decrease it?
  • Causes of global warming and possible ways of solving the problem .
  • Why are so many prisons getting overcrowded , and what is the most humane solution?
  • Inflation and high cost of living : how to find the solution to those problems?
  • The evaluation system for teachers as the means of improving the quality of school education.
  • The problem of school dropouts and possible interventions.
  • What are the leading causes of sex education failure in school, and how to fix it?
  • Why are we so dependent on fossil fuels, and how do we solve this issue?
  • What causes truancy, and how to deal with it?
  • Reducing the use of plastic as a way to solve some of the environmental problems.
  • What is contributing to the current obesity epidemic , and how do we stop it?
  • The reasons some people are dependent on prescription drugs and ways to solve them.
  • Why did London’s new ambulance service fail, and how can the issue be resolved?
  • Engage college students to become more politically active as a way to raise political consciousness.
  • The problem of personal vs. private privacy and ways to solve it.
  • The problem of toxic relationships and ways to solve it.
  • What causes violence on social media, and what are the best ways to deal with it?
  • Why are many long-distance relationships unsuccessful, and what are the ways to change that?
  • Communities: why have we stopped getting along with neighbors, and what are the solutions?
  • Kodak company’s strategic issue and solution.
  • What causes so many teenagers to fall into depression, and how can family and teachers help to solve this issue?
  • The leading causes of athletes using steroids in sports, and how can we stop it?
  • What causes air pollution, and how to deal with it?
  • Why do some teens keep dropping out of school , and how can it be prevented?
  • How should we educate parents about controlling their child’s social media use, and why is that a problem at all?
  • How do parents shape children’s understanding of relationships and ways to avoid bad influences and scenarios?
  • Amazon Local Company’s failure: reasons and ways to fix it.
  • Hackers can attack digital transactions. What are the ways to keep them safe?
  • The main reasons for information overload and how should people avoid it?

📝 Problem Solution Essay Topics for Business

  • Marketing ROI: the problem of ROI assessment and the potential solutions.
  • How to avoid labor exploitation.
  • What are the responsible management challenges and solutions for the B.P. company?
  • The issue of youth unemployment and possible solutions.
  • How should companies audit their policies to ensure they discourage, rather than encourage, discrimination among workers ?
  • H.R. portfolio of evidence: project management and problem-solving techniques.
  • How to effectively avoid social problems in a workplace.
  • How do you deal with the problem of alcoholism at work?
  • How to avoid sexual harassment in the workplace?
  • Ways to deal with the company’s global communication problems.
  • How to deal with the food prices increase?
  • How can a company maintain a good conflict-resolution strategy?
  • Ways to avoid bankruptcy.
  • Classic Airlines marketing problems and possible solutions.
  • The problem of monopolization in America : can a small business survive?
  • Ways to improve employees’ satisfaction.
  • How to incorporate problem-solving into marketing.
  • How can Amazon Company’s ethical problems and challenges be resolved?
  • Gender pay-gap issue in the U.S. and possible solutions.
  • Ways to solve management problems in the tourism and hospitality industry

💭 Problem Solution Essay Topics 2024

Let’s see which 2024 problems are the most relevant so that you can use them as a problem solution essay topic:

  • Is relying on COVID-19 vaccines the right strategy to fight the world pandemic?
  • University education: problems and possible ways to improve?
  • Accepting the new normal or fighting for the old normal: which is more effective for stopping the outbreak?
  • Employing a diverse workforce: challenges and solutions.
  • How do we help the most vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 outbreak?
  • How to cultivate respect for other cultures?
  • Learning issues in the public school system and ways to improve the condition.
  • Climate change : is being prepared for the effects a better solution than trying to prevent it?
  • What are the ways in which digital giants can improve to avoid information breaches and exposure?
  • Innovative strategies to make big cities more equal and less divided for their citizens.
  • How using renewable resources can help deal with climate change?
  • How do migrants affect public health systems, and what should we do about it?
  • How can we help small-scale farmers with adaptation to climate change?
  • What are the best leadership styles that can contribute to the business’s success during COVID-19?
  • The new ways to fact-check information online and prevent dangerous rumors.
  • Restation of local economies by helping small businesses and encouraging young talents.
  • Interdisciplinary studying: benefits, challenges, and solutions.
  • Right and effective leadership as a way of achieving sustainable development goals.
  • How can international collaboration for every country help to achieve carbon neutrality?
  • Cloud services for businesses: issues, benefits, and possible solutions.
  • What are the ways to reduce the number of tobacco consumption?
  • The U.N. and multilateralism : how can we achieve more by working together as humanity?
  • How can market analysis benefit the company?
  • How can we help cultural cohesion and stop fragmentation by avoiding multiculturalism ?
  • How are social issues such as violence and racism addressed in gangsta rap and rock music?
  • Making cyberbullying a criminal offense as one of the most effective ways to fight it.
  • Restore humanities: teaching children how to be humans as the way to solve the global crisis.
  • Way to make an advertising campaign successful?
  • Promoting values and cognitive behavioral therapy to fight mental health issues.
  • How can promoting open debates on essential topics help fight herd mentality?

📚 Problem Solution Essay Topics for College Students

There is a variety of disciplines in this list, so any college student can find something suitable for them here:

  • One random act of kindness as a way to create happier societies.
  • Funding volunteering promotion as a way to boost people’s awareness.
  • Social media and its effect on the younger generation: problems and solutions.
  • Can everyone having personal solar panels help to save the environment?
  • How do augmented reality glasses help people with disabilities see the world?
  • Can strict gun control laws reduce the number of homicide cases committed in the USA?
  • The problem with dolls: why should we promote the production of dolls of different shapes and colors for children ?
  • What rules should be introduced to fight market monopolization and increase competition?
  • What can society do to prevent people from getting an eating disorder?
  • Can students’ active involvement in the learning process improve their academic results?
  • Implementing A.I. and machine learning methods to help companies build a relationship with their customers.
  • Promoting a specific level of individualism in a business setting to help problem-solving.
  • How can total transparency boost the customer’s trust and increase sales?
  • Time management problem and possible solutions.
  • How can athletes prevent injuries that take them out of competitive sports?
  • Setting some responsibilities and duties for children as the way to help them become more successful in life.
  • Studying abroad and graduate employability: challenges and recommendations.
  • Why does developing family traditions help the more substantial relationship and reduce conflicts?
  • What is the main problem with current meal plans at schools, and what is the solution?
  • Educating people about herbal remedies as a way to promote over-the-counter medicines .
  • The challenges and solutions of introducing a new performance management system for a multicultural team.
  • What policies should be implemented to eliminate the problem of child labor?
  • Is raising the prices of tobacco an effective way to make humanity healthier?
  • Switching to online learning platforms as the new approach to available and affordable education.
  • Can the implementation of electric cars bring some positive environmental changes and a decrease in air pollution?
  • Do kids prefer to read eBooks , and how can we use them to encourage book reading?
  • Setting fair prices for streaming services as the way to fight online piracy .
  • How can organizational goals help the company succeed?
  • Should we all use adblocking software to avoid online fraud and malware?
  • Creating more natural habitats such as national parks as a way to protect endangered species.
  • How do you effectively manage organizational behavior?
  • Small steps: how does local buying help reduce soil pollution from big companies?
  • Kids and sports: how the lack of professional sports guides can be addressed?
  • Should we pay more attention to cleaning trees from invasive vegetation?
  • How to stop animal poaching by promoting the use of ethical materials?

The major U.S motion picture studios lost $6.1 billion in 2005 to piracy worldwide.

🐻 Problem Solution Essay Topics for Middle School

Here are some great examples of topics that may interest or be discussed by middle school students:

  • Can a college degree be one of the solutions for reducing the risks of divorce?
  • Learning to smile through pain as the way to make you feel better.
  • Online learning vs. face-to-face learning: problems and solutions.
  • Small changes in life as a way to treat depression .
  • Listening to audiobooks as a way to improve your literacy?
  • Tourism industry: why should it be supported, what challenges does it faces, and what are the solutions?
  • Switching chairs in classrooms to more comfortable ones as the way to improve attendance.
  • If most of the world’s population turns vegetarians, will it help climate change?
  • The issues with high school uniforms and possible solutions.
  • The effectiveness of placing more speed bumps to reduce the rates of accidents.
  • Implementing mandatory student exchange programs in colleges to fight cultural biases.
  • The danger of popular diets and ways to deal with it.
  • Fixing pollution issues as the only way to secure healthy nations in the Future.
  • How does a fair division of house chores help prevent family conflicts?
  • Homeschooling: issues and possible solutions.
  • Owning and petting a cat regularly as the best way to reduce stress ?
  • What are the best ways to prevent deaths due to drunk driving?
  • How to keep a workplace safe, and why is it important?
  • How does playing team sports help with communication skills in teenagers?
  • How to deal with challenges at work as a team leader?
  • Can people using eBooks contribute to solving environmental issues ?
  • How do handwritten letters help share emotions within the family during the conflict?
  • How can we use online communication to learn languages more effectively?
  • Dealing with conflict: strategies for responses.
  • How does the cultural trend of “going green” help with environmental changes?
  • Should we focus on inventing more renewable energy sources to help pollution?

💊 Problem Solution Topics. Solutions

Here are some great examples of problem solution speech topics to get an idea of what it should look like:

  • Limit the time kids spend on the internet.
  • Make sure that kids use only appropriate for their age websites.
  • Place the computer in an open common area to easily monitor kids’ activity.
  • Educate teenagers on the unprecedented danger of using the internet.
  • Parents should support their kids to make sure they can resist the influence of drug abuse.
  • Schools should create programs that spread awareness of the consequence of drug use.
  • The community should be more involved in drug prevention activities.
  • The government should implement policies that address drug use among school-age youth.
  • Enforce strong laws against child abusers.
  • Spread awareness regarding the problem of child abuse.
  • Take matters of child abuse seriously and lead comprehensive investigations.
  • Implement behavior therapy that helps patients plan and deal with their strong food cravings.
  • Use a cognitive approach that helps patients to channel and be in control of their negative thoughts.
  • Expose patients to interpersonal psychotherapy, which focuses on “family-based” treatment.
  • Parents should talk to their kids about their future career plans and encourage their developing interests and beginnings.
  • Schools should facilitate tutoring, mentoring, and out-of-school programs.
  • The government should provide more social and financial support to the students and their families.
  • Avoid opening suspicious messages and e-mail attachments, especially from unknown users.
  • Avoid Executing any Executable Programs in the attachments.
  • Avoid downloading cracked software on websites.
  • Block Scripts by Default in Internet Browsers.
  • Install anti-virus software ad security patches.
  • Disable Autorun for C.D.s, Flash Drives, and other Removable Media.
  • Switch to biodegradable materials for packaging.
  • Reduce the consumption of goods that use non-biodegradable plastic. Check out this link for more perspective solutions: 10 Measures that Must Be Taken to Prevent More Flooding in the Future
  • Learn to identify barriers and problems.
  • Build your own self-concept.
  • Try to strengthen your emotional intelligence.
  • Work on your self-disclosure and be open with your partner or family members.
  • Learn to handle the conflicts.
  • Parents should make sure that their kids feel loved and accepted.
  • Praise children when they achieve their accomplishments, and don’t criticize them in front of their peers.
  • Teach children to have positive self-statements and give them a chance to evaluate themselves. Let the children see how their good actions positively affect others.

By addressing real-world problems through our speeches, we can develop a sense of responsibility toward creating positive change. For your inspiration, we have prepared a short problem-solving speech example on obesity.

Obesity Problem Solution Speech

Good morning, everyone. It’s a pleasure to be here with you today! I want to direct your attention to an issue that has been steadily growing in significance and deserves our immediate concern – childhood obesity. Did you know that in 2021-2022, 17.0% of young people aged 10 to 17 had obesity? This rise in childhood obesity is a multifaceted issue with diverse causative factors, including sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, limited access to healthy foods, and societal influences. The consequences of childhood obesity are profound and alarming. It increases the risk of numerous health issues, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, obese children often face social and emotional challenges, including stigmatization and low self-esteem, which can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and overall quality of life. So, what can we do to tackle childhood obesity effectively? The solution lies in a comprehensive and concerted effort involving various stakeholders, parents, educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the community. Firstly, promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviors among children is paramount. This can be achieved by increasing access to sports facilities, integrating physical education into school curricula, and encouraging outdoor and recreational activities. Additionally, addressing dietary habits is crucial. Providing access to nutritious meals in schools, educating children and their parents about healthy eating practices, and limiting the availability of unhealthy food options can contribute to positive changes in children’s diets. In conclusion, combating childhood obesity requires a multifaceted approach encompassing education, environmental changes, and supportive policies. Thank you!

More Problem Solution Persuasive Speech Examples

Here are some bonus problem-solution speech examples given by TED Talk speakers.

  • “The Simple Solution to Fast Fashion” — Josephine Philips In her TED Talk, Josephine Philips presents a simple solution to fast fashion. She advocates for a shift toward sustainable and ethical clothing consumption. By embracing timeless styles, supporting eco-friendly brands, and practicing mindful shopping, she believes individuals can significantly lessen the harmful effects of fast fashion on the environment.
  • “A Close-to-Home Solution for Accessible Childcare” — Chris Bennett In his brilliant speech, Chris Bennett proposes a community-based approach to accessible childcare. He advocates for creating local co-op childcare centers where parents take turns supervising children. By leveraging existing resources and building a supportive network, he believes this model can provide affordable and reliable childcare for families in need.
  • “The Real Solution to Global Warming” — Supratim Kundu In his TED Talk, Supratim Kundu argues that the real solution to global warming lies in harnessing the power of capitalism and private industry. He believes incentivizing the private sector to address environmental issues is more effective and efficient than relying solely on government intervention.

You got lucky when you found our list of problem solution speech topics! We will also direct you to other resources that will help you write a paper 😎

Start with this complete breakdown of how to write a problem solution essay , then create a problem solution speech structure , and—voila—you’re all set to conquer your text!

Check out more sources below in references.

And if you are still struggling with it, simply read some problem solution essay examples for both college and high school.

Have you grabbed a couple of problem solution essay topics from our list?

Good luck with solving them now🍀

🔗 References

  • Transitions in Text; University of North Carolina
  • Problem-Solution Essays: Definition and Examples
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Definitions and Examples
  • A Problem Solving Approach
  • What Are Problem Solving Skills?

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Problem Solution Speech Topics Ideas

Problem Solution Speech Topics Ideas

Did you know that well-chosen problem-solution speech topics can increase audience engagement by up to 40%? Selecting the right topic for your problem-solution speech is crucial for capturing your audience’s attention and effectively communicating your message. A well-crafted problem-solution speech not only highlights a pressing issue but also offers actionable solutions, making it a powerful tool for influencing change and inspiring action.

In this article, you will find:

  • A Comprehensive List of Topics: A wide range of problem-solution speech topics organized into categories such as health, environment, social issues, technology, and education.
  • Tips for Selecting a Topic: Guidelines to help you choose a topic that resonates with your audience, matches your interests, and is relevant to current events.
  • Examples and Breakdown: Detailed examples of how to develop a problem-solution speech, including how to identify the problem, propose solutions, and structure your speech for maximum impact.

With these resources, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a compelling topic and deliver an effective problem-solution speech that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

How to Choose a Problem and Make the Essay Interesting

The matter of selecting a problem for discussion and critical analysis directly depends on the type of target audience you will present a paper. For instance, if the audience consists of people belonging to a specific profession or research area, then, before designing a problem-solution speech outline, it would be logical to come up with a topic connected with their area of research or the scope of their interest. There are also cases when the audience selects the topic of presentation or speech for you beforehand. If it is a general audience, then it is prudent to select topics that are controversial, appealing to the general public, or that are rather challenging, such as environmental concerns and threats, ethical dilemmas, financial aspects, crime rates in the community, international problems and challenges, and so on. With these tips in mind, you will definitely provide the best proposal speech ever.

Another method to come up with the right entertainment speech ideas is to ask the event organizer to gather ideas from the audience regarding what topics they would love to hear about and further discuss.

On the whole, whatever method of topic selection you choose, the most important thing is to make sure you have sufficient evidence and clear illustrative examples to reflect on the topic in-depth and provide convincing arguments. In any case, if you are lost among the ideas for the topic discussion, opt for one of your personal experience speech ideas.

Whatever method you use to select your problem topic, ensure that you have clear examples, convincing facts, or credible data that supports your position on the matter.

How to Find Solutions

The solutions and recommendations that you put forward should be practical and resourceful. Besides, it should be clear how exactly they can be applied to the real case you are discussing. As you are contemplating how the solution will be effective, keep in mind that your audience will be involved in their own reflection on the topic as well. So, make sure you are persuasive enough.

How to Provide Proper Support for Your Argument

Supporting examples can be related to your personal experience with the help of which you can make the argument stronger and more convincing. When critically analyzing the topic, make sure you know how much the audience knows about it. If much information is left to be explained, interpreted, and so on, make sure you do it. If there is a need to provide background information to make everything clear, then do it as well.

On the contrary, if the audience comprises experts in the scope of research you have focused on, they will surely expect more originality and novelty from you. Therefore, make sure you provide adequate problem-solving examples for your proposal paper. Generally known standard information won’t be the best option.

If the listeners are complete novices to the topic, then try to introduce them to the topic gradually. When it comes to solutions, make sure they are more related to tried and tested principles and approaches. If you are delivering a speech to an audience that is not well-versed in the topic of your proposal essay, then it is recommended to provide a detailed and clear discussion wherein you provide a solution right after each problem you mention.

Problem-solution articles can also have such a structure where you provide the causes of the issue prior to the discussion of solutions. This strategy comes in handy as concentrating on the underlying cause assists in providing more solid support for the explanations, thus providing more reliability and credibility to the solutions.

Moreover, your personal viewpoint on the central issue should be presented in the process of proposing a solution. This way, your speech will be more convincing in that you will share your experience with the people who listen to you.

Concluding your problem/solution speech, make sure you provide a brief synopsis of the core issues, particularly solutions as your audience should remember them particularly well.

The Best Problem Solution Speech Topics for College Students

Professors frequently assign problem-solution speech topics for college students either for written assignments or oral presentations. Regardless of the type of speech topics for college that you have been assigned, you need to select a topic that is of particular interest to you and your target audience. Only when you demonstrate originality in the choice of your topic will you stand out as an original speaker/ writer and will thus be more appreciated by your professor and the audience. When you want just to provide an overview of the problem, then you have to search among the list of good informative speech topics for college students. Still, when you need to demonstrate your skills in critical and analytical writing, it is recommended to organize the essay as a persuasive one.

From the persuasive writing prompts enlisted below, try to select the one that you are well versed in and that aroused the greatest deal of interest in you. Only with these two basic criteria kept in mind will you be able to provide a successfully written problem-solution persuasive paper.

A List of Problem Cause Solution Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

The list of problem-cause solution persuasive speech topics provided below will help you come up with interesting research ideas for your speech. Take a look at the numerous options for social issues and other problems in society to write about.

Environmental Issues

  • The restrictions on the exploitation of the Antarctic resources should be maintained and the Antarctic should be viewed as a preserved place merely devoted to science: How can we ensure the Antarctic remains protected for scientific research?
  • Recycling should be encouraged worldwide: What initiatives can promote global recycling efforts?
  • Oil companies should get disaster control before engaging in offshore drilling: What disaster control measures should be mandatory for oil companies?
  • The construction and building of venues before the Olympic Games should be banned by UNESCO as it harms a lot: How can UNESCO prevent the environmental harm caused by constructing Olympic venues?
  • How to reduce plastic waste in our communities: What are the most effective strategies for reducing plastic waste locally?
  • Promoting sustainable agriculture practices: What practices can farmers adopt to ensure sustainability?
  • The impact of deforestation on global climate change: How does deforestation contribute to climate change and how can it be reduced?
  • Renewable energy adoption should be accelerated: What policies can speed up the adoption of renewable energy sources?
  • Conservation of endangered species: What steps can be taken to protect endangered species?
  • Reducing air pollution in urban areas: What measures can cities implement to decrease air pollution?
  • Managing water resources effectively: What techniques can ensure sustainable water resource management?
  • The role of education in environmental conservation: How can education systems raise awareness about environmental conservation?
  • Implementing green building standards: What are green building standards and how can they be implemented effectively?
  • The effects of overfishing on marine ecosystems: What policies can prevent overfishing and protect marine ecosystems?
  • Reducing the carbon footprint of transportation: What are the most effective ways to lower the carbon footprint of transportation?
  • Online learning can be equaled to classroom education in terms of its effectiveness and accessibility: How can online learning be made as effective and accessible as classroom education?
  • Dependence on ACT and SAT scores during admissions should be abolished: Why should colleges stop relying on ACT and SAT scores for admissions?
  • Student-athletes representing their educational establishment in competitions should be given scholarships to cover at least partial college expenses: How can scholarships support student-athletes in their educational journey?
  • All students should be encouraged to enroll in foreign language courses and speaking clubs: What are the benefits of enrolling in foreign language courses and speaking clubs?
  • Usage of technological advancement in teaching: How can technological advancements enhance teaching methods?
  • The usage of paperback textbooks should be eradicated and changed into e-book usage: What are the advantages of replacing paperback textbooks with e-books?
  • College students should be more cautious and prudent when posting controversial or personal information online: Why should college students be careful about their online posts?
  • Girls should be prohibited from participating in football and wrestling competitions: Should girls be banned from football and wrestling competitions?
  • Networks in educational establishments should have special filters to prevent students from accessing inappropriate material: How can special filters protect students from inappropriate material online?
  • The pressing need for school system reform: What changes are necessary for effective school system reform?
  • Standardized testing should be reduced: How can reducing standardized testing benefit students’ learning experiences?
  • Incorporating mental health education into the curriculum: Why is it important to include mental health education in school curriculums?
  • Promoting STEM education for all genders: How can promoting STEM education encourage gender equality in these fields?
  • Addressing the digital divide in education: What strategies can bridge the digital divide and ensure equal access to technology for all students?
  • Encouraging project-based learning: How does project-based learning improve student engagement and knowledge retention?

Social Issues

  • The problem of spying and media leaks in international and domestic communications: How can governments prevent spying and media leaks in communication networks?
  • How to ensure local food movement support? Will it have a positive impact on the local entrepreneurship?: What strategies can promote local food movements and support local businesses?
  • Media marketed for youths and teens convey immoral and unethical ideas: How can we regulate media content to protect youths and teens from immoral and unethical ideas?
  • Tax incentives should be introduced for adopting children internationally: How can tax incentives encourage more families to adopt children internationally?
  • Foreign help to dictatorships should be eradicated by the government: What measures can governments take to stop foreign aid to dictatorships?
  • In-vitro fertilization should be prohibited: Should in-vitro fertilization be banned, and what are the arguments for and against it?
  • The issue of minors getting tattoos should be more controlled by legal institutions: minors should either be accompanied by their guardians or be given written consent from them: How can legal institutions better regulate minors getting tattoos?
  • Surveillance cameras should record all trials in court: What are the benefits and drawbacks of recording all trials in court with surveillance cameras?
  • Beauty contests in schools and colleges should be banned: Should beauty contests in educational institutions be banned, and why?
  • Students should not be harshly encouraged or pushed to participate in sports competitions: How can schools encourage sports participation without putting undue pressure on students?
  • The federal government should adopt a law that standardizes trunk release systems in new transport: Why is it important to standardize trunk release systems in new vehicles?
  • Race, ethnicity, and gender equality should be supported in politics: What steps can be taken to ensure equality in politics for all races, ethnicities, and genders?
  • Mobile phone usage, texting, and Internet use in the classroom prevent students from being involved in the studying process and lower their attention span: How can schools manage mobile phone and internet use to improve student attention spans?
  • The acute immigration problem will hardly ever be solved by constructing the border fence: Why is constructing a border fence not a viable solution to immigration problems?
  • The contemporary taxation system does not fairly treat lower-income and middle-income population groups: How can the taxation system be reformed to treat lower-income and middle-income groups more fairly?
  • Media advertisements targeted at children population should be banned by the government: Should media advertisements aimed at children be banned, and what would be the impact?
  • Feminists’ standpoint devalues family and motherhood: How does the feminist perspective impact views on family and motherhood?
  • The problem of identity theft is extremely aggravated and the community should pay attention to it: What steps can communities take to address the growing problem of identity theft?
  • Social networks do not interfere with school education: How can social networks be used positively in the educational environment?
  • Advertisements engaging children should be restricted at the government level: Why should advertisements targeting children be restricted by the government?
  • Fast food restaurants should initiate the campaign of publicly displaying calories next to each meal: How can displaying calorie information at fast food restaurants help combat obesity?
  • The government should release churches from tax incentives: Should churches be exempt from tax incentives, and what are the implications?
  • Patients suffering from chronic mental diseases should be preserved in “halfway houses” instead of mental hospitals: How can halfway houses provide better care for patients with chronic mental diseases?
  • The government should not allow the allocation of billboards on interstate highways: What are the environmental and safety reasons for banning billboards on interstate highways?
  • Marriage should not be allowed before school graduation: Why should marriage be prohibited before completing school?
  • Educated people should work as tutors of literacy on a voluntary basis in third-world countries: How can volunteer literacy tutoring by educated individuals benefit third-world countries?
  • People molesting children should be restricted from the right to adopt: Why should individuals with a history of molestation be banned from adopting children?
  • Psychologists and psychiatrists should witness and testify in the court of law representing the non-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity: What role should mental health professionals play in court cases involving insanity pleas?
  • Security should be increased in motels and hotels as a means to guarantee security for all its residents regardless of their income: How can enhanced security measures in motels and hotels protect all residents?
  • The National Health Insurance Program is supposed to provide basic health care for all US citizens independent of their income: How can the National Health Insurance Program ensure basic healthcare for all citizens regardless of income?

Politics and Law

  • The FBI should keep the self-proclaimed militia under scrutiny: How can the FBI effectively monitor and manage the activities of self-proclaimed militias?
  • Weapons should not be sold internationally across the countries: What regulations can prevent the international sale of weapons and reduce global conflicts?
  • The role of the United Nations internationally: How can the United Nations be more effective in its role to maintain international peace and security?
  • Campaign finance reform: How can campaign finance laws be reformed to reduce corruption in politics?
  • Election security: What measures can ensure the security and integrity of elections?
  • Judicial independence: How can the independence of the judiciary be protected from political influence?
  • Police reform: What reforms are needed to address police misconduct and improve community relations?
  • Immigration policy: What are effective and humane immigration policies that countries can adopt?
  • Freedom of speech vs. hate speech: How can laws balance the protection of free speech while preventing hate speech?
  • Privacy rights: What laws are needed to protect individuals’ privacy in the digital age?
  • Prison reform: What reforms can improve the prison system and reduce recidivism?

Health and Wellness

  • The role of art and music therapy in patients’ rehabilitation: How can art and music therapy be integrated into rehabilitation programs to benefit patients?
  • Mental health awareness: How can mental health awareness campaigns reduce stigma and promote well-being?
  • Obesity prevention: What strategies can effectively prevent obesity and promote healthy lifestyles?
  • Access to healthcare: How can access to healthcare be improved for underserved populations?
  • Preventing substance abuse: What programs can prevent substance abuse and support recovery?
  • Vaccination campaigns: How can vaccination campaigns be more effective in achieving high coverage rates?
  • Chronic disease management: What are effective approaches to managing chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension?
  • Nutrition education: How can nutrition education programs improve dietary habits and overall health?
  • Fitness and physical activity: What initiatives can promote physical activity and improve public health?

Evidently, the argument topics list entails current issues that are taking place in the contemporary world. To submit a successful paper, make sure to conduct in-depth research on your selected topic and create an impressive paper that will last in memory for a long.

Problem Solution Speech on the Topic of Policy Advocacy

The question of policy persuasive speech topics remains extremely acute for students because frequently they do not know where to start after they have read numerous essay samples. Particularly, students may be confused about the way of organizing information for a speech. To ease the task of writing a properly structured speech paper, check out the following recommended way of paper organization for a policy advocacy speech.

I. Introduction

Attention-grabber: you might provide some controversial fact, relate to personal experience, provide shocking/ impressive statistics, use a rhetorical question or a dramatic quote, etc. (all these devices are used for capturing attention from the target audience);

Relation to the audience: Pinpoint to how the issue under discussion relates to the target audience. Do it either implicitly or explicitly, but regardless of the option you choose, make sure the listeners understand their relation to the topic. If you have chosen to focus on a problem seriously affecting people, express your point of view on how exactly the problem influences the audience.

Credibility of the problem: Emphasize the problem’s significance and why it is worth others’ attention. Provide one or more reasons to make the audience understand why you have decided to speak on this subject area.

Preview: Provide a brief synopsis (overview) of the paper. You need to provide sufficient background information on the topic, especially if the audience is not well-versed in it. For example, you might briefly describe the problem in a few words and then switch over to focusing on the possible solutions.

II. Body: The Problem Identification and Solution Proposal

Identify the problem: Develop a paragraph where you provide an overview of the central problem. Appeal to ratio and emotion, as it is preferable to engage the reader both on an intellectual and emotional level. There are two recommended ways of problem identification and development – qualitative and quantitative.

According to the qualitative approach, you have to present argumentation for the claims that answer the following questions:

  • What makes me indifferent about the problem? Or why should I actually care?
  • How am I affected by the problem?
  • How serious is the issue under discussion?

To help readers understand the problem in depth, make sure to provide examples from your personal experience or provide real-life examples related to other people. This data will not make the statistics too narrow but will add more appealing details to demonstrate how serious the issue is.

According to the quantitative approach, the arguments and support you provide should be related to such questions:

  • How large is the problem?
  • How much is it widespread and what is the problem scope?

When a writer investigates the scope of the problem, the larger it is – the less detailed evidence is required.

Focus on the causes: The causes of the problem should be closely examined: provide ample evidence, examples, and recent study results. Keep in mind that not every topic requires developing the problem’s causes. Still, if you think that the causes you provide will make the audience more susceptible to trusting your viewpoint. Such an approach is used when there exist multiple opinions on causes.

Put forward the solution: When investigating the possible solution(s), make sure to organize the information in the following way:

  • Provide a plan: First and foremost, pinpoint the exact change in policy, law, or campaign you are suggesting. Briefly describe the step (the introduction of the new law, implementation of the new program, short synopsis of the program, etc.). The main aim at this point is to make the audience understand the kind of change you are suggesting.
  • Provide supporting argumentation and evidence for the suggested solutions: You should clearly pinpoint how the solution will eliminate the ongoing risks or threats caused by the pending problem. Make sure that you link supporting evidence to the plan.

Provide credible expert evidence that clearly highlights the ways the solution would reduce the burning issue: When citing outside sources and specific examples/ materials researched by scholars, make sure you tell the audience about the credentials of the researchers. Your target audience should be sure that the information you rely on can be trusted and that is it believable overall. If you provide information that even you don’t know by whom it was put forward, then your paper will have no expert value.

Results of the study: If the research included some experimental study that aimed at supporting your solution, make sure you discuss the results and interpret them properly. Provide a brief synopsis of how many people took part in the experiment/ interview/ sociological study and what the results indicate.

Empirical evidence and pilot studies: With the help of such supporting evidence, you will emphasize that the problem has solutions related to real-life events and experiences. You might also pinpoint how small changes in the localities might affect the problem in a large-scale area. Such supporting evidence is really beneficial as it indicates that the effects happened in real surroundings with real people rather than in a laboratory environment.

Personal or peer testimony: It is not recommended to use this evidence as a priority as it is rather weak on its own. Still, if you add this evidence together with the other aforementioned types, it can significantly add up to the paper’s credibility.

Address general disadvantages: When coming up with a policy change, keep in mind that it can solve the existing problem as well as create a new one. Therefore, it is advisable to outline the potential disadvantages of the problem after you have discussed its benefits and positive effects. To make your position strong, make sure to refute the counter-arguments because when you just ignore the negative aspects, the audience will not accept or perceive your solution.

III. Conclusion

Provide a short review of the persisting problem and suggested ways out. Make sure you provide a call for action at the end of the conclusive paragraph, where you provide encouraging information that will make the audience remember your paper.

  • Review of the problem and solution
  • Closing thought to encourage the audience to remember the speech.

Problem Solution Topics for Your Perfect Speech

The problem solution speech topics that you will find below will help you choose, identify, and organize the way of presenting your essay. As you select the topic, you will research it properly in order to persuade the audience that a particular problem exists and that it is possible to come up with solutions to it. Moreover, you will learn how to convince the audience and make them accept your viewpoint and maybe even change their previously existing biases regarding the issue. Before you start the topic selection process, make sure you are well aware of the core elements that are necessary in such a type of writing. Check them out:

  • Indicate the problem and mention specifically what factors make it an actual problem. Provide sufficient background information, pinpoint to the problem’s significance, and let the audience understand the scope of the problem and its overall effect. Make sure you appeal to reasoning and emotion: let the audience understand the needs so that it is convinced by the information you provide.
  • Advocate for a solution and provide a detailed plan on how it can be applied in practice.
  • Visualize the practical aspect of your solution. Demonstrate how the solutions will come in handy in improving the situation. Emphasize on their practical aspect and general effectiveness. Pay attention to a brief discussion of alternatives with which you do not agree. State how they are impractical and problematic. To put it briefly, you need to highlight the counterarguments and refute them.
  • Call to action. Convince the audience to accept your position on the change implementation of the proposed policy or campaign. Or provide an implicit call to action, wherein you make a hint on the policy change.

How to Choose a Proper Problem Solution Speech Topic

If you have been invited to deliver a speech to the public, first of all, find out who your target audience comprises in terms of professional and personal interests. Despite the solid experience you might have about the research area, the audience may not find interest in your topic if it is not adjacent to their scope of interest. Therefore, be cautious when coming up with the topic of your speech or presentation. If the type of your speech has to be structured in the form of a problem-solution paper, then make sure to identify the burning issue, investigate questions and opinions concerning it, and also identify the controversy behind the issue.

When thinking of which topic might be interested in writing about, ask yourself the following questions:

  • What would you like to talk about (here choose more than one option).
  • How do you think – will your potential audience like the topic of your choice? Explain your viewpoint.
  • How long do you plan to talk? Is your chosen topic sufficient for this type of presentation?
  • What are your personal opinions and biases regarding the problem?
  • Which topic are you most interested in? Which topic would be easy to talk about?
  • After you have explored the professional realms of your listeners, think of the most topical problems pertaining to the topic.
  • Think of whether you can provide personal experience examples or share your personal goals.

List of Speech Topics for Problem-Solution Presentation

Business area: work surroundings; career goals; bankruptcy; corporate ethics; abuse in marketing.

Teaching and education: peer pressure at school; cheating during exams; online learning versus classroom learning; education at home; sex education at school; internship opportunities.

Environmental aspects: climate change; global warming; alternative sources of energy; depletion of natural resources.

Nourishment and health: food labeling; diets and how to maintain healthy eating; problems of mentally ill people; health care in third-world countries; being vegetarian.

Politics and global issues: spying; international threats; problems with overpopulation.

Legislation and issues in the court of law: punishment for child molesters; drunk driving; frequency of juvenile aggression and delinquency; immigration and fence borders; tax incentives on church property.

Social problems: dealing with the homeless; sexual abuse; domestic violence; the effect of divorce on families; peer pressure; bullying; self-esteem; wage levels; teen drinking; gambling; discrimination on racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds.

So far, you have a brief list of possible problem-solving essay topics. You may choose some of them for discussion or maybe they will inspire you to choose some other topic to reflect on. To properly develop the topics, make sure to examine them more closely and find some adjacent areas to them. Also thoroughly examine the dimensions of each topic investigation.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What aspects of the problem have already been researched? Why have some been omitted?
  • How could one describe the existing obstacles to solving the problem?
  • How long does the problem persist?
  • What are the costs needed for problem-solving?
  • Will the problem aggravate if no measures are taken?
  • Should the problem be immediately addressed?
  • Has your target audience in particular been affected by your selected problem? In what way?
  • What supporting evidence could you provide to emphasize the importance of the problem?
  • What argumentation can you provide to demonstrate that your solutions are right and worth attention?
  • What facts/ figures/ supporting evidence could help the target audience understand the issue more comprehensively?

Working on the Solution

  • Write down all potential and alternative solutions. Keep in mind various aspects, merits, and features that could convince the audience to accept your standpoint. Investigate figures and facts; provide illustrations and real-life examples as support for your solutions. Do it consistently, step-by-step for each of the proposed solutions.
  • Choose the most important and effective solution to the existing problem. Pinpoint to how your solution plan can be applied in practice. Refer to outside sources; cite credible sources; consult sources written by experts in their field of study.
  • Devise a step-by-step implementation plan for each of the suggested solutions. Recommend specific procedures. Investigate the cost, effect, and necessary actions.
  • Call to action; time and place.
  • Other required constituents for the implementation of the plan.

If your listeners comprise people from different educational backgrounds or various professional spheres, then the decisive factor for choosing the topic should lie in choosing the topic that is most topical for the majority. Another option is to come up with a topic that presumably meets the needs of the bulk of the audience. If all of your listeners are well aware of the problem, then pay more attention to the fact of how much the topic is workable and reasonable. If you want to provide counter-arguments for the change policy campaign, then focus on the probable limitations and drawbacks of the policy.

How to Provide an Outline for a Problem Solution Speech

Below you will find the most appropriate methods for developing problem-solution topics:

  • Problem Solution Method

This strategy is advisable if you have chosen a contemporary social problem and have to convince the audience that your solution is the best one among those that have been previously provided. As such, provide a proper introduction where you entail sufficient background information in order to pinpoint the problem’s significance. Afterward, list the most appropriate situations and conditions that might serve as supporting evidence for justifying your position. Present a clearly defined plan for solving the problem.

  • Problem Cause Solution Method

This strategy is the most appropriate for solution topics. Here you need to single out the problem and investigate its causes. Further, you have to provide a critical analysis of the causes and put forward adequate solutions.

  • Problem Cause-Effect Method

This strategy comes in handy when outlining the aftermath of your problem-cause topic.

  • Comparative Advantage Method

You need to compare and contrast the identified solutions to the problem outlined.

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48 Monroe’s Motivated Sequence, Problem-Solution, Comparative Advantages

Learning objectives.

  • Understand three common organizational patterns for persuasive speeches.
  • Explain the steps utilized in Monroe’s motivated sequence.
  • Explain the parts of a problem-cause-solution speech.
  • Explain the process utilized in a comparative advantage persuasive speech.

Organizing Persuasive Speeches

A classroom of attentive listeners

Previously in this text, we discussed general guidelines for organizing speeches. In this section, we are going to look at three organizational patterns ideally suited for persuasive speeches: Monroe’s motivated sequence, problem-cause-solution, and comparative advantages.

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

One of the most commonly cited and discussed organizational patterns for persuasive speeches is Alan H. Monroe’s motivated sequence. The purpose of Monroe’s motivated sequence is to help speakers “sequence supporting materials and motivational appeals to form a useful organizational pattern for speeches as a whole” (German et al., 2010).

While Monroe’s motivated sequence is commonly discussed in most public speaking textbooks, we do want to provide one minor caution. Thus far, almost no research has been conducted that has demonstrated that Monroe’s motivated sequence is any more persuasive than other structural patterns. In the only study conducted experimentally examining Monroe’s motivated sequence, the researchers did not find the method more persuasive but did note that audience members found the pattern more organized than other methods (Micciche, Pryor, & Butler, 2000). We wanted to add this sidenote because we don’t want you to think that Monroe’s motivated sequence is a kind of magic persuasive bullet; the research simply doesn’t support this notion. At the same time, research does support that organized messages are perceived as more persuasive as a whole, so using Monroe’s motivated sequence to think through one’s persuasive argument could still be very beneficial.

Below are the basic steps of Monroe’s motivated sequence and the subsequent reaction a speaker desires from his or her audience.

The first step in Monroe’s motivated sequence is the  attention step , in which a speaker attempts to get the audience’s attention. To gain an audience’s attention, we recommend that you think through three specific parts of the attention step. First, you need to have a strong attention-getting device. As previously discussed, a strong attention getter at the beginning of your speech is very important. Second, you need to make sure you introduce your topic clearly. If your audience doesn’t know what your topic is quickly, they are more likely to stop listening. Lastly, you need to explain to your audience why they should care about your topic. If this sounds familiar, it should! The attention step uses the same elements as an introduction for any speech: The attention getter, relevance, credibility, thesis statement, and preview.

In the  need step of Monroe’s motivated sequence, the speaker establishes that there is a specific need or problem. This will be your first main point. In Monroe’s conceptualization of need, he talks about four specific parts of the need: statement, illustration, ramification, and pointing. First, a speaker needs to give a clear and concise statement of the problem. This part of a speech should be crystal clear for an audience. Second, the speaker needs to provide one or more examples to illustrate the need. The illustration is an attempt to make the problem concrete for the audience. Next, a speaker needs to provide some kind of evidence (e.g., statistics, examples, testimony) that shows the ramifications or consequences of the problem. Lastly, a speaker needs to point to the audience and show exactly how the problem relates to them personally.

Satisfaction

In the third step of Monroe’s motivated sequence, the  satisfaction step , the speaker sets out to satisfy the need or solve the problem. This will be your second main point. Within this step, Monroe (1935) proposed a five-step plan for satisfying a need:

  • Explanation
  • Theoretical demonstration
  • Reference to practical experience
  • Meeting objections

First, you need to clearly state the attitude, value, belief, or action you want your audience to accept. The purpose of this statement is to clearly tell your audience what your ultimate goal is.

Second, you want to make sure that you clearly explain to your audience why they should accept the attitude, value, belief, or action you proposed. Just telling your audience they should do something isn’t strong enough to actually get them to change. Instead, you really need to provide a solid argument for why they should accept your proposed solution.

Third, you need to show how the solution you have proposed meets the need or problem. Monroe calls this link between your solution and the need a theoretical demonstration because you cannot prove that your solution will work. Instead, you theorize based on research and good judgment that your solution will meet the need or solve the problem.

Fourth, to help with this theoretical demonstration, you need to reference practical experience, which should include examples demonstrating that your proposal has worked elsewhere. Research, statistics, and expert testimony are all great ways of referencing practical experience.

Lastly, Monroe recommends that a speaker responds to possible objections. As a persuasive speaker, one of your jobs is to think through your speech and see what counterarguments could be made against your speech and then rebut those arguments within your speech. When you offer rebuttals for arguments against your speech, it shows your audience that you’ve done your homework and educated yourself about multiple sides of the issue.

Visualization

The next step of Monroe’s motivated sequence is the  visualization step , in which you ask the audience to visualize a future where the need has been met or the problem solved. This will be your third main point. In essence, the visualization stage is where a speaker can show the audience why accepting a specific attitude, value, belief, or behavior can positively affect the future. When helping people to picture the future, the more concrete your visualization is, the easier it will be for your audience to see the possible future and be persuaded by it. You also need to make sure that you clearly show how accepting your solution will directly benefit your audience.

According to Monroe, visualization can be conducted in one of three ways: positive, negative, or contrast (Monroe, 1935). The positive method of visualization is where a speaker shows how adopting a proposal leads to a better future (e.g., recycle, and we’ll have a cleaner and safer planet). Conversely, the negative method of visualization is where a speaker shows how not adopting the proposal will lead to a worse future (e.g., don’t recycle, and our world will become polluted and uninhabitable). Monroe also acknowledged that visualization can include a combination of both positive and negative visualization. In essence, you show your audience both possible outcomes and have them decide which one they would rather have.

The final step in Monroe’s motivated sequence is the  action step , in which a speaker asks an audience to approve the speaker’s proposal. For understanding purposes, we break the action into two distinct parts: audience action and approval. Audience action refers to direct physical behaviors a speaker wants from an audience (e.g., flossing their teeth twice a day, signing a petition, wearing seat belts). Approval, on the other hand, involves an audience’s consent or agreement with a speaker’s proposed attitude, value, or belief.

When preparing an action step, it is important to make sure that the action, whether audience action or approval, is realistic for your audience. Asking your peers in a college classroom to donate one thousand dollars to charity isn’t realistic. Asking your peers to donate one dollar is considerably more realistic. In a persuasive speech based on Monroe’s motivated sequence, the action step will end with the speech’s concluding device. As discussed elsewhere in this text, you need to make sure that you conclude in a vivid way so that the speech ends on a high point and the audience has a sense of energy as well as a sense of closure.

This step will be your conclusion. Again, it will have the same elements as a conclusion you would use for any speech.

Application

Now that we’ve walked through Monroe’s motivated sequence, let’s look at how you could use Monroe’s motivated sequence to outline a persuasive speech:

Specific Purpose:  To persuade my classroom peers that the United States should have stronger laws governing the use of for-profit medical experiments.

Main Points:

  • Attention:  Want to make nine thousand dollars for just three weeks of work lying around and not doing much? Then be a human guinea pig. Admittedly, you’ll have to have a tube down your throat most of those three weeks, but you’ll earn three thousand dollars a week.
  • Need:  Every day many uneducated and lower socioeconomic-status citizens are preyed on by medical and pharmaceutical companies for use in for-profit medical and drug experiments. Do you want one of your family members to fall prey to this evil scheme?
  • Satisfaction:  The United States should have stronger laws governing the use of for-profit medical experiments to ensure that uneducated and lower-socioeconomic-status citizens are protected.
  • Visualization:  If we enact tougher experiment oversight, we can ensure that medical and pharmaceutical research is conducted in a way that adheres to basic values of American decency. If we do not enact tougher experiment oversight, we could find ourselves in a world where the lines between research subject, guinea pig, and patient become increasingly blurred.
  • Action:  In order to prevent the atrocities associated with for-profit medical and pharmaceutical experiments, please sign this petition asking the US Department of Health and Human Services to pass stricter regulations on this preying industry that is out of control.

This example shows how you can take a basic speech topic and use Monroe’s motivated sequence to clearly and easily outline your speech efficiently and effectively.

Below is a checklist that contains a simple checklist to help you make sure you hit all the important components of Monroe’s motivated sequence.

The following video further details Monroe’s Motivated Sequence outlining each component and providing examples to provide an in-depth understanding of the organizational pattern.

For Future Reference | How to organize this in an outline |

Introduction: Attention Step

Main Point #1: Need Step

Main Point #2: Satisfaction Step

Main Point #3: Visualization Step

Conclusoin: Action Step

Problem-Cause-Solution

Another format for organizing a persuasive speech is the problem-cause-solution format. In this specific format, you discuss what a problem is, what you believe is causing the problem, and then what the solution should be to correct the problem.

Specific Purpose:  To persuade my classroom peers that our campus should adopt a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech.

  • Demonstrate that there is distrust among different groups on campus that has led to unnecessary confrontations and violence.
  • Show that the confrontations and violence are a result of hate speech that occurred prior to the events.
  • Explain how instituting a campus-wide zero-tolerance policy against hate speech could stop the unnecessary confrontations and violence.

In this speech, you want to persuade people to support a new campus-wide policy calling for zero-tolerance of hate speech. Once you have shown the problem, you then explain to your audience that the cause of the unnecessary confrontations and violence is prior incidents of hate speech. Lastly, you argue that a campus-wide zero-tolerance policy could help prevent future unnecessary confrontations and violence. Again, this method of organizing a speech is as simple as its name: problem-cause-solution.

Comparative Advantages

The final method for organizing a persuasive speech is called the comparative advantages speech format. The goal of this speech is to compare items side-by-side and show why one of them is more advantageous than the other. For example, let’s say that you’re giving a speech on which e-book reader is better: Amazon.com’s Kindle or Barnes and Nobles’ Nook. Here’s how you could organize this speech:

Specific Purpose:  To persuade my audience that the Nook is more advantageous than the Kindle.

  • The Nook allows owners to trade and loan books to other owners or people who have downloaded the Nook software, while the Kindle does not.
  • The Nook has a color-touch screen, while the Kindle’s screen is black and grey and noninteractive.
  • The Nook’s memory can be expanded through microSD, while the Kindle’s memory cannot be upgraded.

As you can see from this speech’s organization, the simple goal of this speech is to show why one thing has more positives than something else. Obviously, when you are demonstrating comparative advantages, the items you are comparing need to be functional equivalents—or, as the saying goes, you cannot compare apples to oranges.

Key Takeaways

  • There are three common patterns that persuaders can utilize to help organize their speeches effectively: Monroe’s motivated sequence, problem-cause-solution, and comparative advantage. Each of these patterns can effectively help a speaker think through his or her thoughts and organize them in a manner that will be more likely to persuade an audience.
  • Alan H. Monroe’s (1935) motivated sequence is a commonly used speech format that is used by many people to effectively organize persuasive messages. The pattern consists of five basic stages: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization, and action. In the first stage, a speaker gets an audience’s attention. In the second stage, the speaker shows an audience that a need exists. In the third stage, the speaker shows how his or her persuasive proposal could satisfy the need. The fourth stage shows how the future could be if the persuasive proposal is or is not adopted. Lastly, the speaker urges the audience to take some kind of action to help enact the speaker’s persuasive proposal.
  • The problem-cause-solution proposal is a three-pronged speech pattern. The speaker starts by explaining the problem the speaker sees. The speaker then explains what he or she sees as the underlying causes of the problem. Lastly, the speaker proposes a solution to the problem that corrects the underlying causes.
  • The comparative advantages speech format is utilized when a speaker is comparing two or more things or ideas and shows why one of the things or ideas has more advantages than the other(s).

German, K. M., Gronbeck, B. E., Ehninger, D., & Monroe, A. H. (2010). Principles of public speaking  (17th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon, p. 236.

Micciche, T., Pryor, B., & Butler, J. (2000). A test of Monroe’s motivated sequence for its effects on ratings of message organization and attitude change.  Psychological Reports, 86 , 1135–1138.

Monroe, A. H. (1935).  Principles and types of speech . Chicago, IL: Scott Foresman.

Public Speaking Copyright © by Dr. Layne Goodman; Amber Green, M.A.; and Various is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Problem Solution Speech Topics – 100 Great Ideas (Free PDF)

Table of contents:, driving-related topics, topics on college life, topics on education, parenting and family matters, topics on relationships, topics on society, sporting matters.

Are you finding it difficult to choose a topic for your problem and solution essay? Take a look at the following list of ideas. Do not forget you can adapt any of these suggestions to suit your own purpose or circumstances.

Is driving a passion of yours? If it is, then the following problem and solution essay topics may interest you.

  • How should people who are caught texting when driving be punished?
  • Are there any improvements that could be made in your area to make driving a less stressful and more pleasant experience?
  • How can parking be improved in a congested or busy area you are familiar with?
  •  Can people be taught to become better drivers and, if so, how?
  • Should the use of public transport be better promoted and what incentives should people be given to use it?
  • Are there any changes that could or should be made to existing speed limits and traffic laws to encourage better driving?
  • Is the education for learner-drivers in your state good enough or is there room for improvement?
  • Could the learner-driver laws in the state you live in be improved so that people become better and more careful drivers?
  • What do you consider to be the most serious driving violations and is there any way these can be eradicated?
  • How do you think deaths related to drink-driving can be prevented?

This problem solution essay topics list relates to college life where there are usually a number of good and bad issues to consider.

  • Can students become better at exams and tests and, if so, how?
  • Is there any way of reducing student procrastination?
  • How can homesickness be dealt with most effectively?
  • Is there an effective way to balance work, study and an active social life?
  • Can college environments be made safer? How?
  • Recommend ways of reducing stress amongst college students.
  • What is the best criterion for choosing a college?
  • Is it difficult for parents to let their children go when they begin college and what are the most effective ways to let go?
  • What can students do to encourage their parents to given them their independence?
  • How would you help a suicidal friend?
  • What is the best way of asking or getting your parents to increase your allowance?
  • What is the best way of dealing with problematic roommates?
  • Is there anything you can do if those in the dormitory or apartment next to you are too noisy?
  • When students start college, what should they do to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet?
  • Is there any way of making college education less costly for students? Should at least part of student education be government-funded?
  • What is the best way of coping when something a student hopes for does not happen, for example, if they don’t get the scholarship they hoped for or a place on the course they wanted?
  • Are there any ways of improving attentiveness in class?
  • Are there any study techniques a student can use to improve their grades?
  • What are the most effective ways of managing attendance e.g. at lectures, classes, etc.?
  • How can colleges help students when they fall behind and should a student’s parents be allowed to know their grades?
  • What are the best ways of managing student finances?
  • How can students stay fit and healthy if their favorite sport isn’t offered at their new college?
  • How can colleges encourage students to actively take part in politics and elections on campus?
  • How should students decide whether to rush a sorority or fraternity?

Here is another list of problem solution essay topics for college students.

  • What can be done to provide students who are especially talented or gifted with suitable education?
  • How should schools cater for special-needs students in order to serve them better?
  • What is the best way of dealing with students who are disruptive and/or have behavioral problems?
  • Should other languages such as Chinese or Arabic become compulsory for every student?
  • What is the best way of making home-schooled students ready for college?
  • Is there any way college education can be improved for students who have learning difficulties?
  • How should cheating at school be handled and are there any preventative steps that can be taken?
  • What is the best way of helping children who are failing in class or finding it difficult to keep up at school?
  • Should schools do anything to address child obesity and, if so, what can they do?
  • Should all schools operate by the same core curriculum and what do you suggest that curriculum contain?
  • Should schools focus more on physical education (PE) with a view to building healthier and fitter communities?
  • Should colleges and schools put more funding and resources into sports, fine arts and similar activities?
  • How could your school or college be improved?
  • What could or should be done to tackle bullying, violence and other types of anti-social activities in schools?
  • Should conventional textbooks be replaced with digital media? Is there a case for every student having an iPad or laptop? Are schools adapting well to changing technologies?

Parents and family are something every writer identifies with so here are a few topic ideas, which may help, especially if you are just learning how to write a problem solution essay.

  • If parents are to help their children avoid eating disorders, how can they encourage them develop a healthy view of their bodies?
  • Do you believe parents are responsible for their children’s body weight and how can families with obese children be helped?
  • Is it important for parents to teach religion to their children and how can they do this?
  • How can parents teach their offspring to manage money effectively?
  • How can parents manage the way their children use cell phones and other technologies such as social media?
  • How should parents discipline children and what are the most effective ways of doing this?
  • Are there any ways that adoption rules should be changed so that children are given the opportunity of a loving family before they outgrow the welfare system?
  • What is the best advice for parents who put too much pressure on children to achieve?
  • What is the best way of helping families to cope with a child who has a mental illness?

Everyone is concerned in some way with relationships. The following are some ideas that may help with your problem solution essays.

  • What are the best ways of removing barriers so that we can communicate better with people who differ from ourselves in terms of culture, race and socioeconomic circumstances?
  • What are the best ways of dealing with people who are manipulative and/or domineering?
  • What advice would you offer someone in an unhealthy or unsuitable relationship?
  • If you thought your friend was making poor lifestyle choices, what advice would you give them?
  • Do you think texting has affected personal relationships for better or worse? Should or can anything be done to make sure the modern generation understands the difference between “real” and “virtual” relationships?
  • Is there anything individuals and society as a whole can do to move away from stereotyping and racism?
  • How would you help someone with depression symptoms?
  • When a relationship is ready to move on from “friendship,” what is the best way to achieve this?
  • What is the best way for a woman to let a man know she likes him? Do you think she should suggest a date?
  • What are the best ways of preventing divorce?
  • What are the best ways of preventing teenage pregnancy?
  • What are the best ways of eliminating or preventing racism?
  • What is the best way of helping homeless people?
  • How can young people be prevented from trying or using drugs?
  • What are the best ways of helping those who suffer domestic or family violence?
  • How can the number of deaths caused by drink driving be reduced or prevented?
  • How can young people be encouraged to drive more safely?
  • Modern media is often accused of portraying too much violence and making pornography too easily available. How can children be protected from the adverse effects of these?
  • What can be done to improve literacy?
  • What can be done to encourage people to live healthier lives e.g. by taking more exercise, not smoking, etc.?
  • What are the best ways of helping school and college leavers to find employment?
  • How should the increase in gun-type crime be tackled?
  • How can prisoners be rehabilitated so that they become valuable members of society?
  • What is the best way of dealing with illegal immigrants?
  • What is the best way of dealing with terrorism?
  • When a couple divorce, how can society help their children succeed academically, be happy and build solid relationships and/or marriages?
  • What changes can be made to the welfare system to help people get out of poverty?
  • What can be done to eliminate people trafficking?
  • How can society strike a balance between freedom of speech and an individual’s right not to be insulted or abused?
  • How can we ensure that proper healthcare is available to people everywhere in the world?
  • Is there any way your locality can be made more friendly for cyclists and pedestrian?

Here are a few final ideas for a problem solution essay.

  • How can athletes mentally prepare for occasional or even frequent defeat?
  • Is sports training too difficult for young children? How should youngsters be taught their chosen sport?
  • How can steroid use be limited or eliminated in sport?
  • How should someone prepare if they are to succeed at a particular sport?
  • Can anything be done to make your local sports team more successful and/or can local support be improved?
  • How can professional sportsmen and women mentally prepare themselves for injury or even retirement?
  • Do you think your favorite sporting venue could be improved and how?
  • How can coaches incentivize their players to improve performance?
  • How much payment do you think players of your favorite sport should get? Should payments be somehow divided or capped?
  • Should those who participate in college sports get paid? Can colleges improve the effectiveness of athletics and sports education?
  • Could the media cover a sport you follow better? Do some games get better coverage than other types?

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problem cause solution persuasive speech examples

problem cause solution persuasive speech examples

17.3 Organizing Persuasive Speeches

Learning objectives.

  • Understand three common organizational patterns for persuasive speeches.
  • Explain the steps utilized in Monroe’s motivated sequence.
  • Explain the parts of a problem-cause-solution speech.
  • Explain the process utilized in a comparative advantage persuasive speech.

Previously in this text we discussed general guidelines for organizing speeches. In this section, we are going to look at three organizational patterns ideally suited for persuasive speeches: Monroe’s motivated sequence, problem-cause-solution, and comparative advantages.

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

One of the most commonly cited and discussed organizational patterns for persuasive speeches is Alan H. Monroe’s motivated sequence. The purpose of Monroe’s motivated sequence is to help speakers “sequence supporting materials and motivational appeals to form a useful organizational pattern for speeches as a whole.” German, K. M., Gronbeck, B. E., Ehninger, D., & Monroe, A. H. (2010). Principles of public speaking (17th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon, p. 236.

While Monroe’s motivated sequence is commonly discussed in most public speaking textbooks, we do want to provide one minor caution. Thus far, almost no research has been conducted that has demonstrated that Monroe’s motivated sequence is any more persuasive than other structural patterns. In the only study conducted experimentally examining Monroe’s motivated sequence, the researchers did not find the method more persuasive, but did note that audience members found the pattern more organized than other methods. Micciche, T., Pryor, B., & Butler, J. (2000). A test of Monroe’s motivated sequence for its effects on ratings of message organization and attitude change. Psychological Reports, 86 , 1135–1138. We wanted to add this sidenote because we don’t want you to think that Monroe’s motivated sequence is a kind of magic persuasive bullet; the research simply doesn’t support this notion. At the same time, research does support that organized messages are perceived as more persuasive as a whole, so using Monroe’s motivated sequence to think through one’s persuasive argument could still be very beneficial.

Table 17.1 "Monroe’s Motivated Sequence" lists the basic steps of Monroe’s motivated sequence and the subsequent reaction a speaker desires from his or her audience.

Table 17.1 Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

The first step in Monroe’s motivated sequence is the attention step First step in Monroe’s motivated sequence where a speaker attempts to get his or her audience’s attention. , in which a speaker attempts to get the audience’s attention. To gain an audience’s attention, we recommend that you think through three specific parts of the attention step. First, you need to have a strong attention-getting device. As previously discussed in Chapter 9 "Introductions Matter: How to Begin a Speech Effectively" , a strong attention getter at the beginning of your speech is very important. Second, you need to make sure you introduce your topic clearly. If your audience doesn’t know what your topic is quickly, they are more likely to stop listening. Lastly, you need to explain to your audience why they should care about your topic.

In the need step Second step in Monroe’s motivated sequence where a speaker establishes that there is a specific need or problem. of Monroe’s motivated sequence, the speaker establishes that there is a specific need or problem. In Monroe’s conceptualization of need, he talks about four specific parts of the need: statement, illustration, ramification, and pointing. First, a speaker needs to give a clear and concise statement of the problem. This part of a speech should be crystal clear for an audience. Second, the speaker needs to provide one or more examples to illustrate the need. The illustration is an attempt to make the problem concrete for the audience. Next, a speaker needs to provide some kind of evidence (e.g., statistics, examples, testimony) that shows the ramifications or consequences of the problem. Lastly, a speaker needs to point to the audience and show exactly how the problem relates to them personally.

Satisfaction

In the third step of Monroe’s motivated sequence, the satisfaction step Third step in Monroe’s motivated sequence where a speaker sets out to satisfy the need or solve the problem. , the speaker sets out to satisfy the need or solve the problem. Within this step, Monroe (1935) proposed a five-step plan for satisfying a need:

  • Explanation
  • Theoretical demonstration
  • Reference to practical experience
  • Meeting objections

First, you need to clearly state the attitude, value, belief, or action you want your audience to accept. The purpose of this statement is to clearly tell your audience what your ultimate goal is.

Second, you want to make sure that you clearly explain to your audience why they should accept the attitude, value, belief, or action you proposed. Just telling your audience they should do something isn’t strong enough to actually get them to change. Instead, you really need to provide a solid argument for why they should accept your proposed solution.

Third, you need to show how the solution you have proposed meets the need or problem. Monroe calls this link between your solution and the need a theoretical demonstration because you cannot prove that your solution will work. Instead, you theorize based on research and good judgment that your solution will meet the need or solve the problem.

Fourth, to help with this theoretical demonstration, you need to reference practical experience, which should include examples demonstrating that your proposal has worked elsewhere. Research, statistics, and expert testimony are all great ways of referencing practical experience.

Lastly, Monroe recommends that a speaker respond to possible objections. As a persuasive speaker, one of your jobs is to think through your speech and see what counterarguments could be made against your speech and then rebut those arguments within your speech. When you offer rebuttals for arguments against your speech, it shows your audience that you’ve done your homework and educated yourself about multiple sides of the issue.

Visualization

The next step of Monroe’s motivated sequence is the visualization step Fourth step in Monroe’s motivated sequence where a speaker asks his or her audience to visualize a future where the need has been met or the problem solved. , in which you ask the audience to visualize a future where the need has been met or the problem solved. In essence, the visualization stage is where a speaker can show the audience why accepting a specific attitude, value, belief, or behavior can positively affect the future. When helping people to picture the future, the more concrete your visualization is, the easier it will be for your audience to see the possible future and be persuaded by it. You also need to make sure that you clearly show how accepting your solution will directly benefit your audience.

According to Monroe, visualization can be conducted in one of three ways: positive, negative, or contrast. Monroe, A. H. (1935). Principles and types of speech . Chicago, IL: Scott Foresman. The positive method of visualization is where a speaker shows how adopting a proposal leads to a better future (e.g., recycle, and we’ll have a cleaner and safer planet). Conversely, the negative method of visualization is where a speaker shows how not adopting the proposal will lead to a worse future (e.g., don’t recycle, and our world will become polluted and uninhabitable). Monroe also acknowledged that visualization can include a combination of both positive and negative visualization. In essence, you show your audience both possible outcomes and have them decide which one they would rather have.

The final step in Monroe’s motivated sequence is the action step Fifth step in Monroe’s motivated sequence where a speaker asks for an audience to approve the speaker’s proposal. , in which a speaker asks an audience to approve the speaker’s proposal. For understanding purposes, we break action into two distinct parts: audience action and approval. Audience action refers to direct physical behaviors a speaker wants from an audience (e.g., flossing their teeth twice a day, signing a petition, wearing seat belts). Approval, on the other hand, involves an audience’s consent or agreement with a speaker’s proposed attitude, value, or belief.

When preparing an action step, it is important to make sure that the action, whether audience action or approval, is realistic for your audience. Asking your peers in a college classroom to donate one thousand dollars to charity isn’t realistic. Asking your peers to donate one dollar is considerably more realistic. In a persuasive speech based on Monroe’s motivated sequence, the action step will end with the speech’s concluding device. As discussed elsewhere in this text, you need to make sure that you conclude in a vivid way so that the speech ends on a high point and the audience has a sense of energy as well as a sense of closure.

Now that we’ve walked through Monroe’s motivated sequence, let’s look at how you could use Monroe’s motivated sequence to outline a persuasive speech:

Specific Purpose: To persuade my classroom peers that the United States should have stronger laws governing the use of for-profit medical experiments.

Main Points:

  • Attention: Want to make nine thousand dollars for just three weeks of work lying around and not doing much? Then be a human guinea pig. Admittedly, you’ll have to have a tube down your throat most of those three weeks, but you’ll earn three thousand dollars a week.
  • Need: Every day many uneducated and lower socioeconomic-status citizens are preyed on by medical and pharmaceutical companies for use in for-profit medical and drug experiments. Do you want one of your family members to fall prey to this evil scheme?
  • Satisfaction: The United States should have stronger laws governing the use of for-profit medical experiments to ensure that uneducated and lower-socioeconomic-status citizens are protected.
  • Visualization: If we enact tougher experiment oversight, we can ensure that medical and pharmaceutical research is conducted in a way that adheres to basic values of American decency. If we do not enact tougher experiment oversight, we could find ourselves in a world where the lines between research subject, guinea pig, and patient become increasingly blurred.
  • Action: In order to prevent the atrocities associated with for-profit medical and pharmaceutical experiments, please sign this petition asking the US Department of Health and Human Services to pass stricter regulations on this preying industry that is out of control.

This example shows how you can take a basic speech topic and use Monroe’s motivated sequence to clearly and easily outline your speech efficiently and effectively.

Table 17.2 "Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Checklist" also contains a simple checklist to help you make sure you hit all the important components of Monroe’s motivated sequence.

Table 17.2 Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Checklist

Problem-Cause-Solution

Another format for organizing a persuasive speech is the problem-cause-solution format. In this specific format, you discuss what a problem is, what you believe is causing the problem, and then what the solution should be to correct the problem.

Specific Purpose: To persuade my classroom peers that our campus should adopt a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech.

  • Demonstrate that there is distrust among different groups on campus that has led to unnecessary confrontations and violence.
  • Show that the confrontations and violence are a result of hate speech that occurred prior to the events.
  • Explain how instituting a campus-wide zero-tolerance policy against hate speech could stop the unnecessary confrontations and violence.

In this speech, you want to persuade people to support a new campus-wide policy calling for zero-tolerance of hate speech. Once you have shown the problem, you then explain to your audience that the cause of the unnecessary confrontations and violence is prior incidents of hate speech. Lastly, you argue that a campus-wide zero-tolerance policy could help prevent future unnecessary confrontations and violence. Again, this method of organizing a speech is as simple as its name: problem-cause-solution.

Comparative Advantages

The final method for organizing a persuasive speech is called the comparative advantages speech format. The goal of this speech is to compare items side-by-side and show why one of them is more advantageous than the other. For example, let’s say that you’re giving a speech on which e-book reader is better: Amazon.com’s Kindle or Barnes and Nobles’ Nook. Here’s how you could organize this speech:

Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience that the Nook is more advantageous than the Kindle.

  • The Nook allows owners to trade and loan books to other owners or people who have downloaded the Nook software, while the Kindle does not.
  • The Nook has a color-touch screen, while the Kindle’s screen is black and grey and noninteractive.
  • The Nook’s memory can be expanded through microSD, while the Kindle’s memory cannot be upgraded.

As you can see from this speech’s organization, the simple goal of this speech is to show why one thing has more positives than something else. Obviously, when you are demonstrating comparative advantages, the items you are comparing need to be functional equivalents—or, as the saying goes, you cannot compare apples to oranges.

Key Takeaways

  • There are three common patterns that persuaders can utilize to help organize their speeches effectively: Monroe’s motivated sequence, problem-cause-solution, and comparative advantage. Each of these patterns can effectively help a speaker think through his or her thoughts and organize them in a manner that will be more likely to persuade an audience.
  • Alan H. Monroe’s (1935) motivated sequence is a commonly used speech format that is used by many people to effectively organize persuasive messages. The pattern consists of five basic stages: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization, and action. In the first stage, a speaker gets an audience’s attention. In the second stage, the speaker shows an audience that a need exists. In the third stage, the speaker shows how his or her persuasive proposal could satisfy the need. The fourth stage shows how the future could be if the persuasive proposal is or is not adopted. Lastly, the speaker urges the audience to take some kind of action to help enact the speaker’s persuasive proposal.
  • The problem-cause-solution proposal is a three-pronged speech pattern. The speaker starts by explaining the problem the speaker sees. The speaker then explains what he or she sees as the underlying causes of the problem. Lastly, the speaker proposes a solution to the problem that corrects the underlying causes.
  • The comparative advantages speech format is utilized when a speaker is comparing two or more things or ideas and shows why one of the things or ideas has more advantages than the other(s).
  • Create a speech using Monroe’s motivated sequence to persuade people to recycle.
  • Create a speech using the problem-cause-solution method for a problem you see on your college or university campus.
  • Create a comparative advantages speech comparing two brands of toothpaste.

COMMENTS

  1. Problem-Solution Speech [Topics, Outline, Examples]

    Thesis Statement: The thesis typically lays out the problem and solution in the form of a question and answer. See examples below. Solution: Explain the solution clearly and in detail, your problem-solving strategy, and reasons why your solution will work.In this section, be sure to answer common objections, such as "there is a better solution," "your solution is too costly," and ...

  2. Problem Solution Speech Topics, Outline & Examples

    Here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare your problem-solution speech: Be passionate: This is not the time for a dry, academic approach. You need to be enthusiastic about the issue at hand and really sell your audience on why they should care. Be clear: Make sure that your audience understands the problem and potential solutions.

  3. 17.3 Organizing Persuasive Speeches

    Lastly, the speaker urges the audience to take some kind of action to help enact the speaker's persuasive proposal. The problem-cause-solution proposal is a three-pronged speech pattern. The speaker starts by explaining the problem the speaker sees. The speaker then explains what he or she sees as the underlying causes of the problem.

  4. Problem-Solution Speech Topics, Structure, & Examples [2024]

    Problem Cause Solution Speech Topics. Problem-cause-solution speech is a very effective way to persuade your audience that you are a reliable expert. It requires you to analyze the causes of the issue in detail and come up with the best solution! The leading causes of binge drinking on college campuses and the ways to eliminate it.

  5. 70 Custom Problem Solution Speech Topics On Each Subject

    Our experts have been working with problem solution topics for more than five years. That is why we asked them to compose a list of good topics examples. We divided them into seven most frequently used categories so that you will find the necessary one. 1. Economics and finances.

  6. Problem Solution Speech Topics Ideas

    Examples and Breakdown: Detailed examples of how to develop a problem-solution speech, including how to identify the problem, ... The list of problem-cause solution persuasive speech topics provided below will help you come up with interesting research ideas for your speech. Take a look at the numerous options for social issues and other ...

  7. PDF Sample Outlines Persuasive Speech Outline: Cause/Effect

    Sample Outlines Persuasive Speech Outline: Cause/Effect. SPC 101: Fundamentals of Oral Communication. Learning Unit 6: Handout. sPersuasive Speech Out. ne: Cause/EffectINTRODUCTION:I. Gain attenti. n II. State topi. : The Effects of the Sun on You III. State. A. Effects on the skin. Effects on the hair C. Effects on the e.

  8. PDF Persuasive Speech Outline: Problem-Cause-Solution Format

    Persuasive Speech Outline: Problem-Cause-Solution Format I. Introduction: A. Attention Getter: B. Audience Relevance: C. Credibility: D. Thesis and Preview:

  9. PDF PROBLEM-SOLUTION SPEECH TEMPLATE Title

    PROBLEM-SOLUTION SPEECH TEMPLATE Title. PROBLEM-SOLUTION SPEECH TEMPLATE. Title: Topic: General Purpose: "To Inform", "To Persuade", "To Entertain", etc ... as assigned. Specific Purpose: A single statement that combines your general purpose, your audience, and your intended. audience to experien.

  10. PDF SAMPLE Problem-Cause-Solution Speech Outline

    SAMPLE . Problem-Cause-Solution Speech Outline . Name: Sally Star . Topic: Financial Illiteracy Among College Students . General Purpose: To persuade . ... B. Main Point II (Cause): The cause of the problem is a lack of financial education in college. 1. Subpoint: Currently, financial literacy education in college usually consists of ...

  11. Monroe's Motivated Sequence, Problem-Solution, Comparative Advantages

    Lastly, the speaker urges the audience to take some kind of action to help enact the speaker's persuasive proposal. The problem-cause-solution proposal is a three-pronged speech pattern. The speaker starts by explaining the problem the speaker sees. The speaker then explains what he or she sees as the underlying causes of the problem.

  12. Make More Persuasive Speeches: Topics, Outlines, + Great Examples

    Problem-solution; Problem-cause-solution; Comparison/contrast; Each type of speech has a different purpose and a unique structure. For example, a causal speech explains what happens as a result of a cause. (Source: bizfluent). A comparative advantage speech examines two or more things and explains why some are better than others.

  13. PDF 5 Organization Patterns for Persuasive Speeches

    5 Steps. •. • Need: demonstrate the problem and a need for change. • Satisfaction: provide a solution. •. for complex problems described by topic. Visualization: use vivid imagery to show the benefits of the solution. • Action: tell the audience to take action. Attention: gain attention of your audience.

  14. Problem-Cause-Solution Outline

    Central Idea: I will persuade my audience by presenting first, presenting a problem, second, its causes, and finally, a solution to the problem. Introduction Attention Getter: Importance: Credibility: Preview: Body (Remember to use full sentences) I. First, let's address the problem/need. A. Describe the problem(s)/need(s). 1.

  15. 110 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics to Impress Your Audience

    Add emotional connections with your audience. Make your argument more powerful by appealing to your audience's sense of nostalgia and common beliefs. Another tactic (which marketers use all the time) is to appeal to your listeners' fears and rely on their instincts for self-preservation. Address counterarguments.

  16. Problem/Solution Speech Topics

    A problem/solution presentation is a type of persuasive speech that not only identifies an issue and its causes, but also gives you the chance to propose a way to solve it. To give a successful speech, you must select a topic that is both significant and manageable enough to create a potential solution. You can select ...

  17. 40 Problem-Solution Essay Topics to Help You Get Started

    A problem and its solution might look very different depending on whether you're looking at it from an employee's perspective or an employer's perspective. Let's look at five workplace-related problem-solution topics to get you started on your paper. 26. Problem: Sexual harassment.

  18. Problem Solution Speech Topics

    Driving-Related Topics. Topics on College Life. Topics on Education. Parenting and Family Matters. Topics on Relationships. Topics on Society. Sporting Matters. Do you know what a problem solution essay is? If not, then the first thing to know is that you should start by looking at a number of topics before choosing one that is suitable.

  19. 17.3 Organizing Persuasive Speeches

    The problem-cause-solution proposal is a three-pronged speech pattern. The speaker starts by explaining the problem the speaker sees. The speaker then explains what he or she sees as the underlying causes of the problem. Lastly, the speaker proposes a solution to the problem that corrects the underlying causes.

  20. Problem-Solution Outline

    Problem-Cause-Solution Outline; Mango Outline Sample Format; DYAD Persuasive Speech Outline; Cause-Effect Outline; Preview text. CMST Persuasive Outline 1 PERSUASIVE SPEECH OUTLINE Name: Session: Speech Title of your Speech: Organizational Pattern: Proposition: Policy General Purpose: (To persuade) Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience to ...