There are roughly four types of group discussion topics:

Factual speech topics

Controversial and argumentative issues
Abstract discussion material
Case studies
Factual topics for a group are - as the word says - about facts. This is a sampl
e list of speech topics on current issues and facts:
Conspiracy is a very common form of political behaviour.
The pros and cons of having a credit card.
A chain gang is a modern form of slavery.
Why drinking and driving is dangerous to yourself and others.
Passive smoking is equally harmful.
The economic boycott causes most of the problems in Cuba.
International trade barriers work.
City curfews help to prevent juvenile crime and to protect youth from victim
ization.
The U.N. is mainly based on diplomacy and enhancing relationships.
Affirmative action draws people to work they never considered before.
A controversial group discussion topic is a speech topic that has many controver
sies, pros and cons. Keep in mind that all current group discussion topics are n
ot my opinion, but just a sample list of speech topics! I repeat this now and th
en to be clear to public speakers who look for fresh ideas. Play with them till
they fit you.
Sustainable urban living without the use of excessive natural resources must
be our future.
Are there extraterrestrials who influence events on Earth?
Marijuana has a medical value.
Direct mail is a special form of junk mail.
The pros and cons of a female President.
Online dating chats have nothing to do with a search for a soul mate.
Should schools distribute condoms?
Most people support embryonic stem cell research.
Life imprisonment is a good alternative to capital punishment.
What is wrong with child labor?
More abstract discussion topics for a group are things that cannot be touched, n
ot be easily defined or formulated. Just think in a creative manner and start a
vivid group discussion with one of these abstract topics to talk about:
The Nostradamus Code - value of these predictions on judicial astrology.
Breast Implants - saline and silicone types and safety.
Bribery in Business - why it is unethical and not honest, and causes inequal
ity.
Computer Viruses - recent attacks and removal strategies.
Bigamy - compare federal laws with state regulation.
Hidden Persuaders - why subliminal advertising is banned.
Moral Majority - examine the faith and values of this political action coali
tion.
Hippocratic Oath - ethical medical professional behavior in modern times.
Political Correctness - when does this policy cross a line?
Vegetarianism - benefits and disadvantages of such a diet in relation to the
food pyramid.
The fourth type of group discussion topics are so-called case studies.
You determine a problem and together with the other group members you have to fi
nd a satisfying solution. These are small group discussion topic ideas. Just mod
ify and alter where necessary, these are just guiding light topic ideas:
Leadership - What necessary changes are needed in your community organizatio
n and how do you want to lead the process?
Malpractice Insurance - Doctors walk out on the job to protest the rising ma
lpractice insurance costs. What to do about it?
Work Ethics - Can we shape workers who have the sense that they serve the co
mpany nd community?
School Violence - What are the real causes of violence and bullying in Schoo
ls?
Recycling - Sort out how to make money with recycling.
Dropouts - Individual attention in safe schools and smaller classes; is that
the way to stop students to drop out?
Iraq - What are the best exit strategies?
Speech Privacy - What are the best technologies to safeguard the right of fr
ee speech privacy on the internet?
Minimum Wage - Why should we have a minimum wage or why not?
Burnout - Should everybody check his or herself of burnout signs? How?
Tip: Try to make an inventory of various angles of view and opinions you find in
education articles on the themes you consider to work out as group discussion t
opics.