Comparative Speech Topics

A comparative speech, or comparison-contrast speech, requires a minimum of two topics. Their similarities and differences are their connection for the speech. Students give the best speeches when they start with a familiar topic and then add research. Choose topics easy to organize as students can get confused during the speech as they move back and forth between details.

Compare two people who the audience may not see as similar. Choose a modern singer or band and compare their music, public identity and personal lives to a musician or group from 40 or 50 years ago. Look at the business world and compare two CEOs. Explore if their drive and education are alike or different. Consider researching celebrities, sportscasters or athletes. Choose more historical figures. For instance, how do two presidents look when you evaluate them? What about famous siblings?

Most high school students have experience with travel and varying living arrangements. Use this background to compare home and apartment living. Students should explain the intricacies, such as lawn care, rules and neighbors. Also use traveling wisdom, such as comparing various theme parks, museums or ballparks. Students who explore nature can compare differing hiking trails or campsites. Another idea is to compare their town to a local one, or their state to one they also lived in. Students heading to college may research dorms and apartments to determine the benefits and negatives associated with each.

Plenty surrounds high school students that they can compare. Sports, courses and clubs share similarities and differences, from the number of students involved, time commitments and histories. Compare specific classes, like the class of 2013 to 2014 by looking at their extracurricular involvements, size and fundraising efforts. They can also compare general classes, say freshmen to seniors, by looking at how teenagers mature and how their beliefs change. Comparing dances brings details such as proper attire, cost and decorations to be analyzed.

High school students pay attention to brand names in many arenas. Students can compare professional teams to college teams by looking at rules, merchandise and fan bases. Students also can analyze electronics, from computers and games, to phones and applications. Video games, their consoles and accessories have factors to evaluate. Teenagers frequent clothing stores and can compare different ones, along with area malls. They should also research restaurants and compare service, food variety and health options.