On October 9, 2012, Julia Gillard delivered a speech that shook the room… and the world.
In Australia’s Parliament, she stood firm and called out the sexism and misogyny she had endured as Prime Minister. And for millions of women watching, they were familiar.
That speech didn’t just make headlines. It sparked conversations…real ones.
In offices, in classrooms, in group chats and at dinner tables—women began opening up, sharing their own stories, and standing taller in their truth. Because when a woman speaks boldly, it permits others to do the same.
Yet today, not every speech does that. Some topics play it safe. Some miss the moment. But the right topic? That’s what ignites dialogue, builds connection, and creates change.
If you want to spark real conversations among ladies—ones that linger long after the mic is off—start here. These 7 speech topics are bold, relevant, and ready to resonate.
Top 7 Speech Topics That Get Girls Talking
- Friendship and Real Connections
Friendship is a classic focus, but it keeps evolving as girls grow and change. Girls love sharing stories about trust, loyalty, and those moments when friendship has either saved the day or taught a hard lesson.
These kinds of speech topics invite honest laughter, advice, and sometimes even healing. They help everyone see how much meaningful friendships matter and how they shape who you are.
- Social Media: The Good, The Bad, and The Honest
Social media can be a fun space, but it also brings pressure and plenty of mixed feelings. Talking about the ups and downs online—from funny trends to cyberbullying—opens the floor to real-life experiences.
Girls have strong opinions on what helps, what hurts, and what they wish would change. Bringing these stories into a speech can get others nodding along, ready to reflect, and even willing to rethink their own screen time.
For more inspiration, check out Empowerly’s guide to good persuasive speech topics.
- Facing Pressure: Body Image and Self-Worth
Pressure to look a certain way isn’t new, but today’s world, with endless curated images, makes it even harder. Speech topics on body image and self-worth dig straight into issues every girl faces, but few want to talk about first.
Sharing personal struggles, victories, and tips for building real confidence sparks powerful conversations. It’s a space for honesty, hope, and support that helps everyone feel seen and understood.
- Girls in Leadership: Making an Impact
Girls care about change. From the classroom to the community, they notice what’s not fair and want to step up. Topics on girls as leaders highlight stories about breaking stereotypes, finding courage, and creating tangible improvements.
These speeches encourage others to see their power and dream a little bolder. They also show that age doesn’t limit what you can achieve with the right ideas and effort.
- Standing Up to Bullying
Bullying shows up in many forms—subtle comments, exclusion, or outright meanness. Most girls have stories about when they stood by quietly, or when they spoke out. Giving a speech on this topic opens a door to truth and empathy.
It lets girls share strategies, lean on each other, and commit to better ways of standing up together. Sharing these experiences, whether personal or witnessed, builds unity and kindness.
- Passion Projects: What Drives You?
Everyone has something they can talk about for hours without getting bored. Passion projects as speech topics let girls shine a light on what makes their heart race.
Whether it’s coding, painting, helping animals, or dreaming up a future business, these stories reveal what’s unique about each speaker. Passion is catchy—it invites more questions, encourages others to find their interests, and often leads to new friendships.
- Kindness Counts: Stories that Changed Us
Small acts of kindness can have a profound and lasting impact. Speeches that focus on kindness—moments when someone reached out, or when the speaker did—remind everyone what matters.
They push us to look for the good, learn from little moments, and spread that same kindness forward. These conversations usually leave everyone feeling hopeful and motivated, knowing even small actions count.
If you’re searching for even more engaging ideas, The Everygirl offers a big list of good conversation starters that work for both speeches and everyday chats.
Why Speech Topics Matter for Building Confidence and Strong Voices
Great speech topics don’t just start conversations—they help girls grow. By speaking on issues that matter, girls tap into empathy, develop courage, and learn to present their ideas. Each talk presents an opportunity to stretch boundaries and explore new perspectives.
For students, the right topic builds confidence step by step. It’s easier to stand in front of classmates when the subject feels personal and meaningful. Teachers see benefits too: strong discussions make lessons more memorable and open up opportunities to support one another.
Parents notice that daughters who are willing to speak their minds become more confident at home and beyond.
A few tips for choosing or preparing speech topics:
- Pick something personal: The best topics start close to home.
- Share a story: Facts matter, but stories stick.
- Mix humour and honesty: Laughter breaks tension and brings people together.
- Ask someone for feedback: Practising with a friend helps strengthen the message.
- Keep it simple and direct: Make sure every listener can follow along.
Not every topic needs to be serious—sometimes the lighter, everyday struggles and joys spark the best talks. The key is to connect honestly and help each other grow.
Conclusion
Memorable speech topics have a lasting impact. They let girls speak, listen, and discover new sides of themselves and each other. When someone feels safe to share their thoughts, everyone learns a little more and connects a little deeper.
Looking for more ways to help girls find their voice?
NGSDC, National Girls Speech and Debate Championship, offers a growing collection of resources for parents, teachers, and students who want to spark real conversations and practice powerful speaking skills in supportive settings.
Get inspired, get in, and begin the important discussion of the day.
