320 INTRODUCTORY SPEECHES FOR ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Pot, Soil, Water
Final Version
1 Those of you with a green thumb know that a healthy houseplant like this one needs a
number of things to grow, including a good pot, rich soil, and adequate water. The pot is the
plant’s home, the comforting place where it grows up. The soil gives the plant nutrients and helps
its roots expand. Water is the basis of all life and allows the plant to thrive. Like this plant and the
pot, soil, and water it requires to grow, you can get a sense of my growth by looking at my family,
my friends, and my interests.
2 The pot represents my family. A pot holds the plant together just like my family holds me
together. My mom and dad not only gave me life but a loving home to grow up in. If I ever had a
bad day, they kept me from falling apart. As the plant protects the roots and the soil, my family
protected me as I grew through my childhood.
3 The soil represents my friends, who have supported me as I branched out into new expe-
POT, SOIL, WATER: FINAL VERSION 321
Pot, Soil, Water
Final Version
Commentary
The final version of “Pot, Soil, Water” provides an excellent vehicle for helping students understand the
elements of a speech of self–introduction. Unlike the needs improvement version, the final version is
clearly organized and creatively developed. A video of the speech is available online and on the DVD of
student speeches that accompanies this edition of The Art of Public Speaking. Below is a synopsis.
Specific Purpose: To introduce myself to the audience by explaining how a common houseplant rep-
resents important aspects of my life.
Central Idea: The pot, soil, and water of a common houseplant illustrate the importance of my family,
friends, and interests.
Method of Organization: Topical
Introduction: The introduction, which consists of paragraph 1, captures the audience’s attention, re-
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