An Introduction Speech

 George L. Settlemier 

Professor Paul Evans 

COMM 111 

February 5th, 2023 

General Purpose: Informative Speech 

Specific Purpose: An introduction to who I am for my peers. 

Central Idea: Who I am is a blend of my past, present and hopes for the future. 

Introduction: I stand before you today with reflections on myself. Who am I? I am a piece of a family, a history I hold dear. I am a student on the cusp of grasping everything I need for success. I am a scholar, a connoisseur of the arts, one who cherishes every word they read. 

1. My name is a family name, passed down from father to son since as early as 1631, maybe earlier but who knows. 

a) George - Meaning “Earth Worker” in Greek and latin. It is a definition my family has taken to their likeness for hundreds of years across multiple continents. To farm, to work, to thrive in peace. 

b) In his research about the Zettelmeier settlers, Harry E Wilson states that the land they first inhabited was anointed, quiet land on the edge of the frontier in Pennsylvania. It was tended and lush, it carried the blessings of this earth to sustain. Humble farmers with humble freedoms. 

c) As the frontier pushed west and the family grew over decades, they migrated to Missouri, and in 1850 George F. Settlemier, a master carpenter, set out on the Oregon trail with 13 children. 

d) Throughout many of these generations, including this one, there were constants that everyone held true. We are on this earth to work the land, to tend this garden, to sustain and flourish. 

Transition: This book contains all the gathered information about my grandfather's family from 1631 to 2000, over 300 years of ancestral history. Not every person has a big section of feats and heroic deeds, but they are still here regardless of their callings. 

2. I have a desire to obtain my own spot in this history, to be more than a name, more than 2 dates separated by a dash. Going back to school has been a huge priority in achieving this goal. 

a) I am studying Horticulture, and studying the natural way of the world (without a lot of luck) means I need college to obtain the credentials for self sufficiency. 

b) With a degree in agricultural science and sustainability, I can create an environment that I want to live in. Provide for those around me and contribute to my community. Create peace. 

c) School is part of who I am because it is more than just an education to me, it is a tool in being the next George Settlemier, George L. Settlemier, to accomplish something great. 

d) When I was a young man, yes younger than now, there was once a cherry tree in my backyard. On days that I had to myself, I would climb up into the branches and find a perch, plucking cherries until my mouth was stained red and my stomach ached. Sometimes they felt as if they kept me alive. e) I have imagined a place where I can live up to my name, and eat cherries to my hearts desire. I know I can create it with the right tools. 

Transition: Despite my drive for success, I would not be afraid to fail. I am more than just who came before me, or the education I seek. 

3. I’ve gone through my own struggles, as everyone does, and my families history, nor my education got me through those hard times. 

a) If the world felt like too much, I would read. I could bury my head into my favorite book, listen to Paul Simon and The Doors CDs I stole from my dad, I could write poetry or philosophy. 

b) Words stick with me, whether spoken or read. Reflecting on word and art in all forms gave me meaning from early on. Even now, admiring a fine painting or composing a story puts a little meaning back into my life every time, just a little. 

c) Epictetus, a greek philosopher, had his teachings written down by one of his pupils, and in The Enchiridion he asks, “Is a little Oil spilt? A little wine stolen? Say to yourself, ‘this is the price paid for equanimity and tranquility, and nothing is to be bad for nothing’” d) And I would read, or create, or write anytime the world would feel like it toppled over me, for nothing is to be bad for nothing. 

Transition to Conclusion: So, Who Am I? 

4. I am a clashed painting, ambiguous writings, a song with no words. 

a) I am the manifestation of my family and their choices. The generational need for security and stability. 

b) I am an earth worker who drives for sustainability. To create in life and nature and provide for those who will depend on me. 

c) I am a scribe who yearns for an ideal world, where everyone can achieve their own version of a perfect ambition with the fruits of their labor. Thank you