A problem/solution speech takes the approach of highlighting an issue with the intent to provide solutions. It is a two-phase approach where first the speaker lays out the problem and explains the importance. Secondly, a variety of solutions are provided to tackle the said issue. The best solutions are those that can be actively applied.
The first problem to tackle is picking a topic. It is a good idea to pick something topical but then again, the world just supplies so many options that it can be overwhelming.
When you are assigned to write a problem-solution essay or research paper, choosing a good topic is the first dilemma you need to work out.
The world is full of issues that need to be resolved. However, it is not sufficient to simply pick a subject because it is topical. Ideally, you should pick a subject that is important to you on some level as well. Speaking about an issue you care about brings out an irreplicable passion that people are sure to respond to. If you’re still confused, we have included a wide variety of topics so that you can pick one that calls out to you.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Problem/Solution Speech Outline
Before we jump into the topics, it can be handy to understand the speech structure of a problem-solution speech. Understanding how to approach a speech script can have an effect on the topic you pick. Oftentimes, we are confident we can speak about a subject but once we begin the draft, we realize we don’t actually have that much to say.
So take a good look at what elements you need to include in your problem/solution speech:
Introduction:
The introduction is a key part of any speech. This is where you will try to grab the audience’s attention, establish the problem statement, and highlight your key points. It is in your introduction that you will need to explain why the presented issue is an issue. The objective is to convince the audience that the problem at hand is one that requires attention.
If you need help with effective attention-grabbers, you can browse our article on 12 Effective Attention-Grabbers for your speech.
Thesis Statement:
The thesis statement is where you will present the problem you are about to tackle. Typically the problem is laid out in the form of a question. You will also be talking about your stance on the presented problem.
Cause/Effect:
Before you launch into giving solutions after highlighting the problem, you need to explain the gravity of the problem at hand. You can do so by explaining what negative consequences occur due to said problem. The more you personalize the effects, the more likely you are to capture their attention.
Solution:
Once you talk about all the negative impacts of the presented problem, it is time to give the audience the solutions. Explain all the solutions step-by-step and talk about the evidence why the said solution will work. Make sure not to give solutions that are too vague. If there are common misconceptions about the solutions, address them as well. Discuss both pros and cons of the proposed solutions and explain why the pros outweigh the cons.
Call to Action:
The most important part of a problem/solution type speech is the call to action. This is when you encourage the audience to take the necessary steps to solve the problem. You can do so by painting a picture of the expected results of your proposed solutions. Don’t end on a vague note that sounds like “Together, we can.” Instead, give actionable steps, such as “I encourage each and every one of you to go home and separate your recycling trash.”
Problem/Solution Presentation Techniques
There is more than one way to present a problem/solution model. You might want to look into these techniques to switch up your speaking style.
Problem Solution Method
The classic take is best used for taking a stance against a social or current issue. In such a case, you will highlight a known issue and suggest probable solutions for it. You can approach this method by informing the audience about the issue, a brief history, all geared to explain why the topic is a problem in the first place.
Follow that up by describing an ideal condition without the said issue. Once you create a tempting picture, offer up more than one solution that is applicable to the situation. Explain the hurdles and how they can be overcome. Make sure it is clear that you’ve thought about the problem from both sides of the issue.
Comparative Advantage Method
Comparative advantage models are useful when tackling a problem that seems to be at an impasse. It is when an issue is well known and has multiple fixes with their own group of supporters. Here, you can take a comparative approach to show the pros and cons of all the different solutions. The key difference is that the general consensus is already there about the importance of tackling the problem, but only the correct solution needs to be selected.
Problem-Solution Speech Topics
Here is our extensive list of problem/solution speech topics:
Social Issues
- Adopting dogs is more ethical than getting a new puppy.
- How education can solve generational poverty.
- Tackling anxiety by adopting a pet.
- Ebooks over books to save the environment.
- One-child policy: unethical but effective.
- Donating as a solution to fight global poverty.
- Do your part, go vegan to fight world hunger.
- Keep wikipedia alive for free information with donations.
- Kindness can begin with a compliment.
- What can we do to ensure government sanctions against companies using child labor?
- Sorting out your waste and what it can do for the environment.
- The necessary switch to bicycles to tackle pollution.
- Why encouraging volunteering at an early age can produce better citizens.
- High time to make the switch to solar and wind energy.
- Self-driving cars are the future of road safety.
- Bike lanes and bike laws enhance traffic safety.
- Effective gun sales management can help reduce reckless deaths.
- Normalize selling colored dolls in all shapes and sizes to promote confidence in children.
Technology
- How data became the new oil?
- How to stay private in an increasingly social world?
- Why is high-speed internet still not considered a basic need for rural areas?
- Ethical hacking and why is there a draw to it?
- Digital payments and how to guarantee security.
- Change your passwords. Why your data is in danger!
- Self-driving vehicles, should we handover 100% of the control?
- Have lithium batteries on mobile phones already reached their peak?
- How can technology promote the use of renewable energy?
- How to keep up with the overwhelming news cycle?
- How can we destigmatize video game addiction?
Education
- How can we shift education to a virtual platform?
- How to smoothen the transition from home-schooling to college.
- What are some new methods to tackle the rampant cheating on exams?
- How can we reduce the illiteracy rate?
- It’s high time to end bullying in schools.
- How to normalize homesickness as a problem and tackle it?
- Education is not enough, students need life management skills.
- Is accessibility to quality education sufficient currently?
- How can we guarantee sufficient pay for quality teachers?
- How can problem-solving be taught in schools?
- Is detention an effective solution for disruptive students?
- How you can help your suicidal friend.
- Are we doing enough to improve standardized test score results?
- Effective ways to increase attention in class.
- How can we make sex education mandatory in public schools?
- Creative ways to get students to love maths.
Health
- Does looking at the stars stimulate brain activity?
- How can we tackle the growing obesity epidemic?
- How spending time outdoors can boost your mood.
- The Pomodoro Technique and why it works for productivity.
- Can meditation be the answer to growing stress?
- Can we incentivize smokers to give up smoking?
- How to increase responsibility for fatal hospital errors?
- Fitness apps and how it can benefit health.
- How augmented reality glasses can be a gamechanger for people with disabilities.
- How does taking baths reduce stress and anxiety?
- Burnout: the need to go offline.
- Better posture to tackle back pain.
- Does reading out loud help improve critical thinking?
- Child obesity: a preventable evil.
- Encouraging more greens to help children improve their memory.
Environment
- How global pollution can be tackled locally.
- Climate change. Why it is too late and what can still be done.
- Does lower room temperature really help reduce energy consumption?
- How to do our part in preserving natural resources?
- Is it time to stop depending on fossil fuels?
- How to preserve wildlife from going extinct?
- Are current environmental laws sufficient to keep it protected?
- Improving public transport to reduce the number of private cars.
- How can we upgrade our transportation to be more sustainable?
- Why hunting should be illegal in any circumstances.
- It is high time to replace plastic. What are our options?
- Is it enough to make alternative energy affordable?
Relationships
- Signs of a toxic relationship.
- How to pull yourself out of an emotionally abusive relationship.
- Should parents be allowed to control teens’ social media accounts?
- How to manage expectations in a relationship?
- Recognize negative people and take active steps to avoid them.
- How to help domestic violence victims?
- Why it is pointless to try changing someone.
- How to say “no” in a way that they listen?
- How to maintain a work-life balance in today’s world.
- Why couples counseling needs to stop being taboo.
- Is it possible to bridge the gap across different races and cultures?
- How technology is capitalizing on the growing need for human contact.
- Long-distance relationships. Can you make it work?
- Modern-day relationships and how expectations have changed.
Wrapping Up
A problem/solution speech is a great topic as it falls under the informational category. As such, it is much easier to capture the audience’s attention. In terms of delivery, make sure you sell the problem before handing out the solution. Following the above outline and tips paired with your amazing content, we are sure you will be able to win over any audience with ease. Make sure you do your research well and triple-check your sources. All that is left to do is practice. See you on the stage!
