Speech Topic Memo, Outline Example

1. Topic

The Problem of Hamas

2. Purpose Statement

The purpose of this speech is to formulate a possible solution to the problem of Hamas as a rogue Palestinian government.

3. Thesis Statement

I purport to inform you of the history of the Hamas movement and to persuade you that a political solution is possible.

4. Preview

Understanding the history of Hamas and similar organizations that have crept up in Palestine over the years is necessary to understand the political solution I propose.

5. Three Main Points
6. Hamas is not an as aberrant an organization as some opponents would have you believe (Haaretz, 2010).
7. Marginalizing Hamas hampers progress toward a just and lasting peace in Palestine.
8. Including Hamas in political matters makes military involvement less necessary for all parties.
9. Rationale

This topic is important for many reasons. As long as Hamas is not a fully participatory party in peace negotiations, a good segment of the Palestinian population goes unrepresented which undermines the democratic principles that are in the interests of all parties (Verter, 2009). Hamas was once supported by Israel itself, has renounce claims to Greater Palestine, and has a track record of benefitting the Palestinian populace more so than the Palestinian Authority itself (Verter, 2008). To legitimize Hamas as the national guard of the Palestinian people places its operatives under more moderate political control. This was the same technique used to bring Jewish terrorist organizations under the control of the Haganah in the 1950s (Collins & Dominique, 1972).

Works Cited

Collins, Larry and Lapierre, Dominique. O Jerusalem! Simon and Schuster: 1972.

Verter, Yossi. “Poll: Most Israelis back direct talks with Hamas on Shalit”. Haaretz. 27 February 2008.

Verter, Yossi. Haaretz Correspondent. Accessed: 14 November 2009.

“Hamas leader: You can’t get rid of us”. Haaretz. 29 July 2010.