I am located in Colorado, and we love our pets in this state. Between 23 and 2024, animals were the fourth largest topic my students discussed in public speaking for the call to action speech. I had 15 students talk about animals. Some of the main ideas the students focused on were animal testing, adoption of puppy mills, animal sanctuaries, animals and circuses, cruelty-free makeup, exotic animals, and CPR for pets.
Animal testing – 7
This was the most significant topic under this heading. I’ve had this topic again very consistently since I started teaching public speaking. Some of the main ideas under this category are the physical and psychological damage, the lack of empathy for animals, moral values and ethics, and consumerism in general. They feel like it’s inhumane and unnecessary because there are alternatives, limitations, and biological differences. Research on a variety of animals does not always translate to humans.
I have had students talk about the positives of human-animal testing, but not this particular year.
Adoption and puppy mills – 2
They were concerned about overcrowding abuse in puppy mills and recognized that adoption benefits could solve this problem. This is kind of a go-to topic, but it’s going to show up because people care about animals, at least here in Colorado.