How to Use Index Cards to Write a Speech

Index cards are an efficient way of organizing your thoughts when writing a speech. Since they provide limited space to write in, using index cards means you have to determine what main points you'd like to address in your speech. Index cards are also handy for teaching yourself to become a natural public speaker. Rehearsing your speech with index cards can teach you to feel more comfortable with the material you're speaking about and more comfortable with thinking quickly on your feet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Use a blank sheet of paper to create an outline of the main points you'd like to address in your speech. If you've already written a speech, highlight the main points in it. Generally, you'll have a main point in each paragraph or every few paragraphs.

2. Write each main point on a separate index card. Number the cards in logical order by putting a small number in the top-right corner of each card.

3. Using the blank sheet of paper again, think of two to three things you'd like to discuss under each main point. Be concise when writing these points down. You don't want to write out exactly what you plan to say in your speech, but rather a short reminder of the point you'd like to make.

4. On the appropriate index card, write each of these points down in bullet-point format. The index card numbered 1 should contain your first main point and two to three bullet points of things you'd like to discuss about that main point. The rest of your cards should follow the same format.

Tips & Warnings

• Index cards don't provide much room on which to write, so use them only if you know your subject matter well and just need reminders of the order to present information.