Cue cards, also known as note cards, are cards with words
written on them that help actors and speakers remember what they have to say.
It is a card that can be seen by someone (such as an actor) who is performing
or speaking on a stage or on television and that shows the words that the
person is supposed to say.
How to make cue cards
You need a packet of standard
index cards, a selection of highlighters, (for example, yellow, pink, blue and
green), and an easily-read pen. I suggest using one with either blue or black
ink. Making cue cards from standard office supply index or note cards (like
those in the photograph) is relatively easy. Using them well will lift the
quality of your presentation immeasurably.
Why? The answer is simple.
Because you are not relying on, and reading from, a word-for-word text, you are
free to interact with your audience. You are able to make eye contact, respond,
gesture and move freely. You will sound, look and feel more present; "in
the moment". Your entire delivery is enlivened. Give yourself time to thoroughly rehearse.
You'll be delighted with the result.
Writing up your cue cards
Each segment of your speech,
from its introduction to conclusion, should be reducible 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.
The best (most useful) 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 itemize 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 and/or they may even be tied
together, are color-coded to show your main idea, supporting ideas, examples
and transitions or links. 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.
Preparing your speech for cue cards
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. When you're satisfied you have
your speech as you want it, you're ready to prepare it for cue cards.
DESCRIBE AN INTERESTING PERSON YOU HAVE MET
You should say:
1. Who he/she was
2. Where you met him/her
3. What was special about him/her
And explain why this person was interesting.
Well, I love to meet new people.
Today, I would like to talk about a charismatic person I met a year ago. Last
year I was going to Amritsar by train for an official meeting. On the way, a
young lady boarded the train from a small railway station. She occupied the
seat in front of me. Very soon we started talking about our hobbies, studies
and work etc. Her name was Nitika Walia. She was a second-year student of
Punjab Technical University. One particular thing which made her quite special
was her high confidence level. Normally, girls don’t travel alone in my
country. In most cases, they are accompanied by their parents or some other
family member. But, since she was on her own, that clearly reflected her
boldness. I found this girl very interesting. Her in-depth knowledge of latest
technology and space science made me re-think about my opinion about females. I
used to think that Indian women are only interested in fashion. Science is not
their cup of tea. But, this meeting was a real mind-changer. She helped open my
eyes towards the common attitude of ignorance males have towards females
regarding their intelligence. Now, I fully understand that women have the
potential to succeed in any field.
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