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
Animals
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?
Technology
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?