Continued from page 1
Many experienced speakers use ‘headline cards’ to jog their memories. These are postcard sized cards held in
palm of hand and listing just principal subjects that they want to cover. Each card shows main bullet points for one section of talk and at any given moment card that is uppermost in speaker’s hand will show points to be covered in that section of speech.
Before moving on to next section speaker glances quickly at card to check that he has covered all points and then puts that card to bottom of pack. He glances quickly at new card now revealed in order to remind himself of points he must cover next, and away he goes again with his talk.
Practical Tips.
1.Cards of postcard size fit most comfortably into hand.
2.Stiff paper or cardboard is best. It doesn’t flop about.
3.Only use one side of each card.
4.Write in large clear letters that you can read at arms length.
5.Put only a few points on each card. 3 or 4 is good.
6.Number each card so that you can put them in order quickly. (You might drop them!)
7.Identify in some way (colour is good) cards that you can skip if you find you are running out of time.
8.If you are right-handed, hold cards in your left hand (and vice-versa). This avoids you waving cards about when you make hand gestures (normally made with your ‘strong’ hand).
With this simple memory aid you will find that you will quickly gain fluency and confidence in delivering your talks.
Arthur Cooper is a writer and publisher. For more of his articles go to: http://www.arthurcooper.com/ For articles ebooks and courses go to: http://www.barrel-publishing.com/
