Cue Cards: How to make and then use them in speeches

Cue Cards: How to make and use them effectively

Making cue cards from standard office supply index cards (like the one in the photograph) is relatively simple. Using them well will lift the quality of your presentation immeasurably.

Why?

The answer is simple.

Because you not relying on a word-for-word text you are free to interact with your audience.
You can readily make eye contact because you are not slavishly tied to your notes. You are able to look around, to respond, gesture and move freely. You will sound, look and feel more present: 'in the moment'.

When you master using cue or note cards, your entire delivery is enlivened. It becomes more spontaneous and when that happens your audience appreciates it.

Have you done your speech outline?

Get a print-friendly blank speech outline template now. It will make preparing your cue cards a breeze.

Do you know how a speech is formally evaluated?

If your speech is being judged, find out what the evaluator will be marking you on. Use the speech evaluation form here

For those of you who are nervous about making the transition from a full script to cards, don't be. Take it slowly. Give your self time to thoroughly rehearse. You'll be delighted with the result.

How to make Cue Cards

You need a packet of standard index cards similar to the one in the photograph, a selection of highlighters, (for example, yellow, pink, blue and green),and an easily-read pen. I suggest either blue or black ink.

The best cue cards:

have ONE main heading or idea per card

are written clearly using larger than usual font (so you can read them easily)

have plenty of white space around each word or phrase to help them stand out

use bullet points or numbers to itemise the supporting ideas under the main heading

are written on ONE side of the card only

are clearly numbered so that you know the order they come in

are color-coded clearly showing your main idea, supporting ideas, examples and links.

have where props are to be shown. For example: Main Idea One - Supporting Idea - Example - Show slide 1

have approximate timings marked so you can track yourself through your allotted time. If you find you're going over you can adjust by leaving out an extra example or conversely if you're under time, you can add one in

How to prepare your speech for cue cards

Before starting on the cue cards themselves make sure you've got the flow of the speech how you want it.

Using your speech outline go through from the beginning checking the sequence of ideas, supporting material and their links to ensure that all your information is in an effective and logical sequence.

Do try it out loud and time it. You may need to edit it if it's too long and it's a lot easier to do that at this stage.

Once you have the length right for your time allowance, if possible get other people to listen to you. Have them give you feedback on content, structure and delivery, paying particular attention to the introduction and the close. Once you're satisfied, you're ready to prepare it for cue cards.

Writing up your cue cards

Each segment of your speech from its introduction to conclusion should be able to be reduced to a key word or phrase that will act as a prompt triggering your memory for what it was you wanted to say.

Go through your outline marking each of them. A good way to identify them is to remember the paragraphing structure that you use in written prose. A new thought or idea takes a new paragraph. In writing note cards a new idea or thought equals a new card.

Do not be tempted to write the whole of the text of your speech out. This defeats your purpose. You'll finish with cramped notes that as well as being difficult to read stops you from freely interacting with your audience.

Once you've finished breaking it into segments you're ready to write up your cards.

Decide on the color coding you're going to use eg. pink for main ideas and blue for supporting ones. Yellow is for quotes and important facts. Green is for transitions.

Number each card as you go in the same place. The top right hand corner works well for me. I also write which part of the speech the card is for: introduction, body and conclusion as a heading in the top left. It helps me keep track of where I'm up to.

Double check the effectiveness of each card as you write them to make sure you are using keyword or phrases that actually do trigger your memory. This is particularly important for links or transitions. Forgetting how you got from one piece of information to the next not only leaves you stranded but your audience as well.

Rehearsing with your cue cards

You'll find a full page here on 'how to rehearse'

It includes notes specifically on rehearsing using your cue cards as well as other valuable tips for delivering your speech successfully.

Now that you've completed your set of cue cards, please don't short change yourself by assuming you are fully prepared and ready for delivery.

To use your cards well you absolutely need to rehearse with them. Before you give your speech aim for at least three concentrated rehearsal sessions. The tips await you. Go there now.

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