Great Informative Speech Topics for Grade 8

Perfect for middle school informative presentations, with three bonus speech outlines

Informative Speech Topics for Grade 8

Table of Contents

• Topics about Developing Practical Skills
• Topics about Personal Growth and Responsibility
• Topics about Engaging with the World
• Topics about Life Skills and Independence
• Topics about Creative Expression and Hobbies
• Topics about Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
• Topics about Exploring New Experiences
• Topics about Cultural and Artistic Appreciation

Informative Speech Sample Outlines for Grade 8

• Outline #1: Fixing a Flat Bike Tire
• Outline #2: Writing Cursive and Signing Names
• Outline #3: Cleaning Their Room

Developing practical skills:

1. "Cooking Safety and Simple Recipes": This speech could cover basic cooking safety rules and introduce a few simple, healthy recipes a young teen could easily prepare.
2. "First Aid Skills Every Teen Should Know": This could cover basic first aid skills like how to treat cuts and burns, what to do in case of choking, and when to call for professional medical help.
3. "Learning to Sew: Mending and Beyond": This speech could introduce basic sewing skills, like how to sew a button, mend a tear, or even create simple items like a face mask or a bag.
4. "DIY Home Repair Basics": This speech could cover simple tasks like unclogging a drain, fixing a leaky faucet, or safely resetting a tripped circuit breaker.
5. "Mastering Laundry: From Sorting to Folding": This could cover the entire process of doing laundry, including sorting, stain removal, choosing the proper wash/dry cycle, and folding clothes.
6. "Plant Care 101: From Seed to Sprout": This speech could introduce the basics of plant care, including choosing the right plants, understanding light and watering requirements, and troubleshooting common plant problems.
7. "The ABCs of Bicycle Maintenance": This could cover topics like how to clean and oil a bicycle, pump tires, and perform a basic safety check.
8. "Navigating Public Transport": This could cover practical skills like reading a bus or train schedule, understanding routes, and general etiquette and safety rules when using public transportation.

Remember, it's crucial to include hands-on demonstrations or visual aids to enhance understanding and engagement.

Personal growth and responsibility:

Here are several additional informative speech topics for grade 8 centered around personal growth and responsibility for 8th graders. These topics are for students willing to tackle the challenge of informing peers about vital responsibilities.

1. "The Art of Time Management": This speech could cover practical tips on how to manage time effectively, including using tools like calendars or planners, setting priorities, and the importance of a balanced routine.
2. "Budgeting Basics for Teens": This speech could teach young teens about the concept of budgeting. It might cover topics like understanding income and expenses, the importance of saving, and how to start a simple budget.
3. "The Importance of Goal Setting": This speech could discuss the benefits of setting personal, academic, and long-term goals. It could provide strategies on how to effectively set and achieve these goals, including the SMART goal framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
4. "Understanding and Managing Emotions": This topic could cover different types of emotions, why we experience them, and strategies for managing and expressing them healthily.
5. "The Power of Self-Care": This speech could delve into the importance of looking after one's physical, mental, and emotional health and provide tips on incorporating self-care into daily routines.
6. "Dealing with Peer Pressure": This speech could discuss the concept of peer pressure and its impact and provide strategies for standing up to it.
7. "Building Healthy Habits": This topic could provide practical tips on how to develop and maintain good habits, such as proper sleep hygiene, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition.
8. "Taking Responsibility for Actions": This speech could cover why it's important to own up to mistakes, apologize when necessary, and learn from these experiences.
9. "Developing a Growth Mindset": This speech could explain the concept of a growth mindset, how it differs from a fixed mindset, and how adopting a growth mindset can lead to tremendous success and resilience.
10. "The Importance of Respect and Empathy": This speech could discuss the importance of understanding and respecting the feelings of others and how empathy can improve relationships and contribute to a more inclusive community.
11. "Cyber Safety and Digital Responsibility": This speech could cover essential topics such as protecting personal information online, the dangers of cyberbullying, and responsible social media use.
12. "Organizational Skills for Better Study": This speech could provide practical tips on organizing study time effectively, including using planners, the benefits of a dedicated study space, and techniques like the Pomodoro Technique.

These topics provide an excellent foundation for teaching and discussing personal growth and responsibility with young teens.

Engaging with the world around them:

1. "Understanding and Addressing Climate Change": This speech could explain the basics of climate change, its impact on our planet, and practical ways young people can help combat it, such as recycling, conserving energy, and advocating for environmental policies.
2. "The Importance of Community Service": This speech could discuss the benefits of volunteering in local communities, provide examples of possible service activities, and inspire youth to contribute to their communities.
3. "Exploring Cultural Diversity": This speech could cover the importance of understanding and appreciating cultural diversity, including discussions about traditions, languages, cuisines, and customs from around the world. It could also highlight the significance of empathy and respect in multicultural societies.
4. "Civic Engagement for Youth": This speech could explain the concept of civic engagement and discuss ways young people can get involved, such as participating in student government, attending city council meetings, or writing to their local representatives about issues they care about.
5. "Digital Citizenship in the 21st Century": This speech could discuss the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of being a digital citizen, including responsible internet use, understanding the difference between real and fake news, and how to safely and respectfully communicate online.

These topics are designed to help young teens understand the world around them and encourage active engagement in various aspects of society.

Life skills and independence:

1. "Balancing School and Hobbies": This speech could discuss how to manage time between schoolwork and personal interests effectively. It could include personal experiences and strategies that have worked for the speaker.
2. "My Journey Learning to Cook My Favorite Meal": This topic allows the presenter to share their personal experience learning to cook a specific dish. They could include challenges they faced, how they overcame them, and tips for others who want to try cooking the same meal.
3. "How I Organized My Study Space for Better Productivity": This speech could detail the speaker's personal experience in organizing their study space, the changes they made, and how it has affected their study habits and academic performance.
4. "My Experience with a DIY Project": The speaker could discuss a DIY project they undertook, such as building a model, crafting, or gardening. They can share the skills they learned, the challenges they faced, and the satisfaction of completing the project.
5. "Creating and Sticking to My Personal Budget": In this speech, the presenter could share their experience of creating a simple budget for their allowance or earnings from chores. They could discuss why they decided to start a budget, the benefits they've seen, and tips for peers who might want to do the same.
6. "How I Learned to Plan and Host a Successful Sleepover": This speech could cover the speaker's experience planning and hosting a sleepover or a small get-together with friends. They could talk about the planning process, the activities they organized, how they handled unexpected challenges, and what they learned about responsibility and coordination through the experience. This topic is highly relatable and engaging for this age group while also emphasizing important life skills.

Creative expression and hobbies:

Four speech topics for grade 8 middle school students related to creative expression and hobbies.

• Making a comic book
• Doing a DIY project
• Learning to play an instrument
• Learning calligraphy or hand lettering

Below are some additional hobby-themed informative speech topics that we like for middle school students.

1. "My Experience with Reading a New Book": The speaker could share their experiences in reading a book, including selecting the book, sharing themes from the book, and the benefits they've gained from information or lessons learned.
2. "Building My First Model Kit": This speech could cover the speaker's experience building a model kit, such as an airplane or a Lego set. They could detail the steps they took, challenges faced, problem-solving used, and the satisfaction of seeing the completed model.
3. "Exploring the World of Digital Art": For youth interested in art and technology, this speech could discuss their journey into digital art. They could talk about the software they use, their learning process and showcase some of their creations.
4. "My Journey in Learning a New Sport": This speech could be about the speaker's experience with learning a new sport, such as soccer, tennis, or swimming. They could share about the training process, the importance of teamwork and discipline, and the joy of competition and improvement.
5. "Starting My Own YouTube Channel": The speaker could discuss their experience of starting and managing a YouTube channel. This could include how they chose their content focus, the process of making and editing videos, how they handle feedback, and what they've learned about digital media and online engagement. This topic could be fascinating, given the popularity of YouTube among this age group.

These topics allow young teens to share their personal experiences and passions, making the speeches more engaging and relatable to their peers.

Problem-solving and critical thinking:

Below are five informative speech topics for grade 8 on problem-solving and critical thinking that are suitable for 12-13-year-olds:

1. "What Video Games Have Taught Me About Problem-Solving": Video games often require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, the speaker could discuss a particular game they play, the challenges it presents, and how they strategize to overcome them.
2. "Learning to Code: My Journey with Problem-Solving": If the speaker has begun learning to code, they could share their experiences, the challenges they've encountered, and how they've used logic and problem-solving skills to overcome them.
3. "How I Improved My Chess Game": Chess is a strategy and critical thinking game. The speaker could share their learning journey, strategies they've developed, and how playing chess has influenced their problem-solving skills.
4. "My Involvement in a School Debate Team": The speaker could share their experiences participating in a school debate team, discussing how they develop arguments, research supporting evidence, and learn to think critically to engage effectively in debates.

These topics relate to this age group and allow the speaker to share personal experiences of problem-solving and critical thinking.

Exploring new experiences:

Here are several speech topics for grade 8 students that let the student explore new experiences in their presentations.

• Planning a Google Maps adventure
• Creating a photo collage
• Running an obstacle course
• Playing laser maze

The following are some additional informative speech topics on new experiences that many 12-13-year-olds have had and could present as an informative speech.

1. "My First Time at Summer Camp": This speech could cover the speaker's experiences at a summer camp, including the activities they participated in, the friends they made, and how they handled being away from home for an extended period.
2. "My Experience Joining a Sports Team": The speaker could share their journey joining a new sports team, including their challenges, the skills they learned, and the value of teamwork.
3. "My First Public Performance": If the speaker has ever performed in a play, a concert, or a talent show, they could share about the preparation process, dealing with stage fright, and the experience of performing in front of an audience.
   
4. "Visiting a New City": The speaker could share their experiences visiting a new city or country with their family. They could discuss the culture, the sights, the food, and how the experience broadened their horizons.

These topics should be engaging and relatable for 12-13-year-olds, and they also provide opportunities for the speakers to share personal stories and lessons they've learned from these experiences.

Cultural and artistic appreciation:

The speech topics for grade 8 listed below provide themes related to cultural and artistic appreciation. An eighth-grade student with experience in one of the endeavors will enjoy sharing the process in an informative speech. 

• Learning a new language
• Watching a movie and analyzing it
• Researching pets
• Learning to draw and paint

Below are five informative speech topics about cultural and artistic appreciation that our eighth-grade readers may have experienced and enjoy sharing in a presentation.

1. "My Experience Learning Traditional Dance": The speaker could discuss their journey learning a traditional dance from their own culture or another culture, sharing the history of the dance, the techniques they learned, and their appreciation for the culture it represents.
2. "The Art of Manga": For those interested in Japanese culture and manga, this speech could discuss the history of manga, its influence on global pop culture, and personal experiences with favorite manga series or drawing manga.
3. "Exploring the World through Cuisine": The speaker could talk about their experiences trying foods from different cultures. Then, they could discuss what they learned about each culture through its cuisine and share their favorite dishes.
4. "The Beauty of Classical Music": The speaker could discuss their experience with classical music, whether through playing an instrument, attending a concert, or simply listening to the music. They could share what they've learned about the history of the music and their favorite pieces or composers.
5. "Art Movements and Their Influence": The speaker could choose an art movement (like Impressionism, Surrealism, or Pop Art) to research and present about. They could discuss the historical context, notable artists, and how this movement influenced or was influenced by society.

These topics should provide opportunities for 12-13-year-olds to share their personal experiences with cultural and artistic appreciation, and they can also encourage their peers to explore these areas further.

Sample Speech Outlines pulled from the above speech topics for grade 8:

An Outline for a Speech about "Fixing a flat bike tire"

When writing an informative presentation for speech topics in grade 8, or any grade, it is important to brainstorm, research, and come up with the body and structure. With that in mind, BST wrote three example informative speech outlines for grade 8 to help you understand the details. 

These three points provide a clear and structured guide for the audience to understand the step-by-step process of fixing a flat bike tire, ensuring they gain practical knowledge and confidence in handling this common issue.

Outline:

1. Identifying the problem:
• Understanding the signs of a flat tire.
• Locating the puncture or damage on the tire.
2. Removing and repairing the tire:
• Removing the wheel from the bike frame.
• Deflating the tube and removing it from the tire.
• Locating and patching the puncture or replacing the tube if necessary.
3. Reassembling the bike:
• Checking the tire pressure and inflating it to the appropriate level.
• Ensuring the wheel is securely attached to the bike frame.
• Testing the bike to ensure the tire is fixed and functional.

An Outline for a Speech About "Writing cursive and signing names"

Significance of the three body points in a speech: These three points offer a comprehensive approach to understanding the importance of cursive writing and the ability to sign names, including the basics of cursive, the historical significance of signatures, and the practical application of cursive and signatures in real-life situations.

Outline:

1. Learning cursive writing:
• Understanding the basics of cursive writing.
• Practicing individual cursive letters.
• Progressing to writing words and sentences in cursive.
2. Understanding the importance of signatures:
• Exploring the historical significance of signatures.
• Discussing the uniqueness and personalization of signatures.
• Practicing signing one's name in cursive.
3. Applying cursive and signatures in real-life situations:
• Discuss the occasions where cursive and signatures are commonly used.
• Emphasizing the importance of legible and consistent signatures.
• Encouraging cursive writing and signatures as a personal touch in everyday life.

An Outline for a Speech on "Cleaning their room"

Significance of the three body points in a speech: These three points outline the essential aspects of teaching children to clean their room, including establishing a cleaning routine, organizing belongings, and demonstrating cleaning techniques. This structure ensures a comprehensive understanding of the topic and practical guidance for the audience.

Outline:

1. Establishing a cleaning routine:
• Discussing the importance of cleanliness and organization in personal space.
• Introducing a regular cleaning schedule and checklist.
• Demonstrating how to create and follow a cleaning plan.
2. Organizing belongings:
• Teaching techniques for organizing clothes, toys, and personal items.
• Introducing storage solutions such as shelves, bins, and labels.
• Encouraging decluttering and donating unused or outgrown items.
3. Demonstrating cleaning techniques:
• Teaching proper dusting, vacuuming, and sweeping techniques.
• Explaining how to clean surfaces, windows, and mirrors effectively.
• Emphasizing the importance of tidying up after oneself daily.

Alright folks, as a certain web-spinning superhero would say, that's the scoop on 'informative speech topics for grade 8'.

I mean, who knew talking about speech stuff could be this cool? Right? We've dived through a bunch of topics, like swinging through the city engaging with the world, and laid out some tips on how to outline your ideas make your words stick, like my trusty webbing.

It's like being a superhero, you know. You've got this power to influence, to inspire, and just like Uncle Ben said, "With great power, comes great responsibility". So, pick a topic that matters to you, and who knows? You might just end up saving the day.

Remember, every hero starts somewhere. For me, it was a radioactive spider, but for you, it could be 'a speech in 8th grade'.

So suit up, step up to the mic, and let's see what kind of hero you can be!

Jump to Grade 8 Topics About:

• Developing Practical Skills 
• Personal Growth
• Engaging with the World
• Life Skills and Independence
• Creative Expression and Hobbies
• Problem Solving
• Exploring New Experiences
• Cultural and Artistic Appreciation

Sample Outlines for Grade 8

• Fixing a Flat Bike Tire
• Writing Cursive
• Cleaning Their Room