Procrastination Speech

General Purpose: To persuade
Specific Purpose: At the end of my speech, the audience will be willing to cut down or eliminate any habits of procrastination.
Central Idea: Procrastination is a habit that can have negative effects on a person's life. By making a conscious effort to stop procrastinating, you can improve many facets of your life.

I. Introduction A. Attention Device
Have you ever waited until the very last minute to do one of your assignments? Chances are you probably have. Its' called procrastination.
B. Orientating Material
Procrastination is a habit that can have negative effects on a person's life. By making a conscious effort to stop procrastinating, you can improve many facets of your life.
C. Preview
I am going to inform you about procrastination, the negative effects, and how stopping this habit can help you personally.

II. Body A. Need Step 1)The word procrastinate comes from the Latin word procrastinare, which means to put off until tomorrow. It is something that many people struggle with, because it is easier to push a task off until the last moment than it is to start right away. 2)When you are dealing with any kind of work it is wise to start your task as soon as possible. Most of the time you will end up with a lot of free time on your hands after you finish your task. But if you do it the other way around, and wait until the last second, then you will find yourself rushing through your work and it will show. According to an article from CNET, researchers estimated that 80 to 95 percent of all college students engage in procrastination, with as many as 50 percent doing it regularly. B. Satisfaction Step
1) “Procrastinators Guide to Success” states that “Everyone procrastinates....If you are going to do it, do it strategically.”
2) It is almost impossible to stop procrastination altogether, but by making an effort to cut down on procrastination I'm positive you will see major improvements in your life.
C. Visualization Step 1)So how do I destroy one of the most destructive habits around? A good way to do this is to think of what could happen if you continue to put off assignments or things on your to- do list. Imagine if you don’t decide to go to gym and get your weight or health in order what could happen. You could be facing health problems or an early death. Or imagine if you fail an assignment and you have to retake a course. Do you see how painful these things can be when we procrastinate on them?

III. Conclusion The truth is, the reason we procrastinate is because we are focusing on what we don’t like instead of focusing on what the end result will be if we do get the correct things done. We are focusing on the process instead of the ‘prize’. When we focus on the prize we get the motivation to do what we want to do. Stop focusing on the process and start focusing on the ‘prize’ and you will overcome your procrastination. If you would like to commit to stop procrastinating, I would like for you to come and sign this paper.