Giving a speech on an editorial topic requires the speaker to have an opinion. The speaker should acknowledge both sides of the argument but make a case for one side being more beneficial to the greater good. While the speaker could just give her own opinion on the subject, the speech is strengthened with information from experts and analyses of history, according to ReadWriteThink.
Death Penalty
Decide on a point of view to take when discussing the death penalty. This hot-button issue can generate debate and discussion among the audience when a speech is given. Talk about costs of administering the death penalty and the role of the government and people in deciding who lives and who dies. The speech can also cover topics such as the historical justifications for the death penalty and backlash that has ended the practice in certain parts of the world. Assume strong opinions from both perspectives, so acknowledge the arguments of both sides during the speech.
International Conflict
An international conflict means resources and lives are put on the line and taken away from domestic issues. Discuss the justifications or the arguments against a nation becoming involved in another country's affairs. Because history is filled with examples of countries getting involved in international conflicts, make sure to cite some of these examples during a speech. Generate an opinion on whether there are limits to when a country should be involved in a conflict. The speech should address if it is ever acceptable to invade another country, if it should only be based on self defense or if a country should spread its ideologies regardless of the consequences.
Economic Policy
When giving a speech about economic policy, choose whether to represent a side that believes in government intervention or one that believes in letting the free market decide the course of a country's economy. If speaking about government intervention in the economy, talk about how the government owes its people a social safety net. If talking about the free market's impact on the economy, discuss efficiencies that are lost by using government intervention. Use historical examples, such as the New Deal under President Franklin Roosevelt, to advocate for government intervention. A speech about economic policy can also call for a mixed economy system where government intervention and free-market ideologies work hand-in-hand.
