Which speech type involves aiming to persuade an audience on social or political issues?

The speech type that aims to persuade an audience on social or political issues is indeed persuasive speech. This type of speech is designed to convince the audience of a particular viewpoint or to motivate them to take a specific action concerning an issue. Persuasive speeches often incorporate arguments, emotional appeals, and evidence to strengthen the speaker's position on topics that affect society or politics.

In contrast, informative speeches focus on delivering factual information without intent to persuade, demonstrative speeches are centered around showing how to do something, and special occasion speeches are crafted for specific events or ceremonies, often meant to honor or celebrate rather than persuade the audience on broader issues.