If you’ve ever stared at a blank page wondering, “What in the world should I speak about?”—you’re not alone.
Coming up with a speech topic can feel like the hardest part of being a Toastmaster. But it doesn’t have to be.
Once you know where to look, ideas become a whole lot easier to find. In fact, there are two main sources you can return to again and again. They’re simple, practical, and work for speakers at any level:
1. Your Personal Experiences
This is the #1 best place to start.
You don’t need a dramatic story to give a great speech. Some of the most memorable speeches come from the small, everyday moments in life. Why? Because they’re relatable. When you speak from experience, it’s easier to write, easier to remember, and you naturally connect more with your audience.
Here are a few categories to spark your thinking:
- Interests
Love sports? Music? Gardening? Great—start there.
- Hobbies
Share how you got into one, what you’ve learned, or even why you gave it up.
- Goals
What are you working toward? What’s your motivation?
- Family
Talk about family traditions, parenting moments, or even funny memories.
- Career
What do you do—and what’s it taught you? How did you end up in your field?
- Education
Favorite teachers, tough classes, or an unexpected lesson you still carry.
- Life-Changing Events
They don’t have to be huge. A move, a new habit, or a tough decision all make great speeches.
The more you reflect, the more stories you’ll find. Your life is full of them.
2. Outside Resources
Sometimes we need to look beyond ourselves for a spark. That’s where outside resources come in.
They’re great when you want to try something new or offer your audience a fresh perspective.
Here are a few great sources of inspiration:
- Books
Share highlights or lessons from a book you’ve read (or are reading now).
- Websites and Articles
A blog post, newsletter, or magazine story can give you a great jumping-off point.
- Current Events
Speak about something in the news or happening in your community—just keep it respectful and thoughtful.
- Podcasts or Documentaries
Learn something cool recently? Bring it to your audience.
- Social Media Trends
Believe it or not, those viral moments or “life hacks” can make great speech topics.
Final Thought
Here’s the big secret:
You don’t have to wait for the perfect idea. You just need a starting point.
Whether you look inward or outward, once you have a direction, your speech will come together faster than you think. And the more you practice this process, the easier it gets.
So don’t stress. Explore, jot down a few ideas, and pick one that excites you.
Then get ready to speak!