Outline for Ceremonial Speech
Title: The Death of a Leader and Loved One
Speaker: Timothy Harden
Specific Purpose: To commemorate the life of a recently deceased dictator.
Thesis Statement: Although hated and feared by nearly the entire population of the
world for the duration of his professional political career, Saddam Hussein deserves an
objective, respectful reflection on the life he lived and the legacy he left.
Introduction
I. Attention Hook: The dedication with which Saddam Hussein lived his
life is personified by the story when he daringly fought to protect the
integrity of both his state and his daughters by swiftly executing his two
son in laws after catching wind that they were conspiring against those
two things he loved most—family and stately power.
II. Ethos: As many of you may well know, I am Abid Hamid Mahmud,
Saddam’s personal secretary and dear friend.
III. Thematic Statement and Preview: Saddam’s untimely, although not
surprising, death was the dramatic ending of a person whose great impact
on the lives which he commanded was surpassed only by his impact on the
lives of his beloved family
(Transition—Now let us forget our grief for a moment and remember the life Saddam led
that made him the dominant man that he was…)
Body
I. Main Idea #1: Saddam showed a vigorous commitment to his political
career throughout his life.
A. Saddam loved his profession with a deep dedication that surpassed
nearly all other priorities in his life. He did not let details such as
humanitarianism and diversity get in the way of his passion for
ruling with an iron fist.
B. Saddam’s strength of character was especially evident at the
beginning of his leadership of the Iraqi people, when he took
advantage of opportunity and seized power from his opposition,
maintaining it definitively. During his twenty four year tenure, he
was a compassionate man who stood unwavering for the ideals he
believed in—(a) restoring Iraq to its’ ancient glory, and, of coarse,
(b) maintaining unyielding power.
(Transition—as strong and committed a leader as Saddam was, he cared about his
family most of all.)
II. Main Idea #2: Saddam went to unbelievable lengths to show the love for
his family.
A. He was a caring husband to his sweet cousin Sajid Talfah for over
forty years. Staying together through the end, even after she was
banished from the country
B. Saddam Hussein was a proud father of his sons:
i. Uday and
ii. Qusay
And his three daughters:
iii. Raghad
iv. Rana
v. And young Hala
As they have profusely attested, he was a loving, compassionate
and protective father towards his daughters, and shielding them
from the cruel world.
One of the most emotional times of his life was the ambivalence
felt fighting side by side with Uday and Qusay as they perished
against invading forces—so proud of how his sons had followed in
his footsteps so obediently, but simultaneously sorrowful to have
to live through their deaths.
(Summary—Saddam’s family fulfilled his life, as he did theirs.)
Conclusion
I. Summary: The new minister of Iraq will have enormous shoes to fill in
the wake of the unprecedented legacy that has been laid down during the
course of Saddam Hussein’s lifetime.
II. Review: Saddam was a person who distinguished himself on both fronts
he chose to dedicate himself to: family and state.
III. Concluding Thought: It’s a terrible shame when a man that means so
much to so many people is not allowed to live out his natural life, Saddam
you have made an impact on our world that will be lasting.
Works Cited
"Wikipedia." 1/28 2007. .