Write a Persuasive Speech on a Social Issue

Build persuasive writing skills by crafting arguments on relevant, real-world issues.

Teaching Context:
Great for Year 7 to Year 10 English classes learning persuasive writing structure and rhetorical devices.

Basic AI Prompt:
Write a persuasive speech about why schools should have longer recess breaks.

Enhanced AI Prompt:
You are learning to write persuasive speeches. Ask AI to draft a speech arguing for a change in your school or community (e.g. longer recess, banning homework, improving recycling). Make sure the speech has a clear introduction, three supporting points with examples, and a powerful conclusion. Then, ask AI to suggest rhetorical devices (e.g. repetition, emotive language, rhetorical questions) that will make your argument more convincing. Finally, ask AI to provide a counter-argument and rebuttal to show you’ve considered both sides.

Spice it Up (Optional Extension):
Ask AI to write the speech as a rap, poem, or song.

Lesson Implementation:
Start by analysing famous persuasive speeches and identifying key techniques. Students use AI to draft a first version of their speech on a social issue of their choice. They workshop their drafts with a partner, looking for strong arguments, clear structure, and rhetorical devices.

Students then revise their speech and deliver it aloud to the class or record a video version. Wrap up with peer feedback sessions focused on clarity, passion, and persuasion. This lesson builds public speaking confidence and logical argumentation.

Got ideas on different ways to use this prompt? Share them with the class in the comments below!

Also, if you liked this, you'll love the thousands of subject-specific AI prompts in our books section!