CUE CARDSCUE CARDSHow to make and use them effectively

Courtesy of write-out-loud.com

Why Use Cue Cards?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 CardsHow to Make Cue Cards

The Best Cue Cards:Have ONE main heading or idea per cardAre 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 CardsHow 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 How to Prepare Your Speech for Cue CardsCue 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 CardsWriting 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 CardsColour Coding Your Cue Cards

BLUE for Main Ideas RED for Supporting IdeasGREEN for quotesPURPLE for important factsORANGE for transitions

**It may be wise to write them in pencil first, then go over them in colour. **

Numbering and Initialing Numbering and Initialing your Cue Cardsyour 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!

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 CardsRehearsing 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 CardsRehearsing 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