Creating Speaking Notes (^143)
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Creating Speaking Notes
Your content outline provides a permanent written record that you can file away after
you speak. It’s also useful during rehearsal to run through and get your speech firmly in
mind. However, content outlines differ from speaking notes—what you actually use
when you deliver the speech. Create these notes by using key words, including just
enough phrases or words to jog your memory as you speak. Use full sentences only
for transition statements, direct quotations, and complicated statistics. This section
describes two major formats for speaking notes: notes and speaking outlines.Speaking Notes
Earlier editions of this text described written notes on index cards. Small note cards are
not outdated; however, today’s speakers also write notes on their cell phones or on small
tablet computers. Some use presentation software such as Prezi or PowerPoint as their
notes. (PowerPoint has space under each slide for your notes.) Here are some general
tips for speaking notes:
• Delete nonessential words—use only key, or significant, words and short phrases.
• Highlight important concepts or words you want to emphasize during delivery.
• Include source information so that you can cite those sources as you speak.
• Add delivery advice such as pause or slow down.
• Practice in front of a mirror using your notes. Revise them if they are not as helpful
as you would like.
Tips specifically for note cards include:
• Write legibly.
• Number your cards so you can quickly put them in place if they get out of order.
• Write on only one side because turning cards over can be distracting.
• Use no more than five or six lines per card, and space your lines so that you can easily
keep your place.
• For longer speeches, use more cards instead of crowding additional information onto
a few cards.
• During your speech, use your cards unobtrusively. Place them on the lectern if one is
available, and never wave them.
• Don’t read from your cards unless you are reading a direct quotation or giving com-
plicated statistics; then hold up a card and look at it frequently to show your audience
that you are being as accurate as possible.^5
Figure 11.1 shows two note cards for Leif’s speech on hovercraft.speaking notes the notes
you use to deliver your
speechkey words important words
and phrases that will jog the
speaker’s memoryCopyright 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).
Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.