CUE CARDS How to make and use them effectively Courtesy of write-out-loud.com

Why Use Cue Cards? The answer is simple. If you are not relying on a word-for-word text you are free to interact with your audience. You are able to look around and gesture. You will sound, look, and feel more present; more in the moment.

How to Make Cue Cards 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.

How to Make Cue Cards Are written one ONE side of the card only. Are clearly numbered so that you know the order they come in. Are clearly initialed incase they get lost we can return them. Are colour-coded clearly showing your main idea, supporting ideas, and examples.

How to Prepare Your Speech for Cue Cards Before starting, make sure you’ve got the flow of the speech how you want it. Make sure Miss Sinclair has read through a rough copy. Make sure you’ve timed it at least 3 times and have reached approx. 3:30. Make sure your speech starts off with a salutation to Miss Sinclair and Mrs. Thompson/Mrs. MacKay. Example: Good morning Miss Sinclair and fellow students…”

Writing up Your Cue Cards Create an outline on paper before attempting to use your cards. You should have between 5 – 7 cue cards. ◦Introduction ◦Main Point 1 ◦Main Point 2 ◦Main Point 3 ◦Main Point 4 (optional) ◦Main Point 5 (optional) ◦Conclusion

Colour Coding Your Cue Cards BLUE for Main Ideas RED for Supporting Ideas GREEN for quotes PURPLE for important facts ORANGE for transitions **It may be wise to write them in pencil first, then go over them in colour. **

Numbering and Initialing your Cue Cards Don’t forget to number and initial each cue card in case they get lost or out of order. Numbers and initials go in the TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER. You may also wish to write which part of the speech the card is for: introduction, main point 1, main point 2, conclusion, etc. THIS GOES IN THE TOP LEFT HAND CORNER.

Double Check! 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 will leave you stranded.

Rehearsing with your Cue Cards Writing is only part of the process. It’s delivery that completes it. ◦Step 1 – Start by using your cue cards to run through several times out loud. This is to familiarize yourself with the flow. Don’t worry about expression or gesture. Have a friend time you. Complete this task a minimum of 3 times. Recording your time, each time. ◦Step 2 (Optional) – Practice with the flip camera. This time focus on delivery. Have a friend film and time you.

Rehearsing with your Cue Cards Step 3 – Meet with 3-5 friends. Have them watch for: fiddling, standing awkwardly, tugging at your clothes, etc. irregular breathing Racing your speech Pauses or breaks in the wrong places Specific words or phrases that trip you up Holding your cards in a way that masks your face Fiddling with your cards Projection and Intonation Eye contact Smiling Pace