Note cards for presentations
In public speaking keeping note cards is imperative to have to keep on track and minimize tangents especially if you have a large amount of information on the subject. I have found that in teaching and presenting that the same is true. A prepared set of material to be covered in each days lecture helps an instructor to give the perception of being prepared and ready for the task at hand. Also a good outline of the information to be covered assures that material should not be missed as well. On the other hand A presentation can be ruined if the presenter is using the note cards as a shield and reading from them entirely. In my experience I have also found that the preparation of the notes allows me to finalize the presentation in my memory and allow me to get back on track if an interruption occurs or there is a pressing question that needs to be answered.
Stephanie,
yes, preparation is the key to reducing nervousness, not some silly trick.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
being overly prepared, with emergency note cards, works better for me than picturing people in their underwear.
also, I try not to wear my glasses when I give a presentation. the audience appears out of focus and it less pressure for me.
ha nie,
this is a great strategy as it can really help you keep the ideas & thoughts straight in your own head & as you present.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree. When I teach, i use different colors to alert me the importance of the material that needs to be covers or specific examples i want to use for the content i'm covering at that momment.
Eunice,
yes, I highly encourage using tools to help ourselves keep track of where we are & what we are covering.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like to use note cards for all of the reasons listed, and to help to remember all of the points I wish to cover. I tend to get nervous if I start to lose track of where I am, so the note cards help me to feel more secure and in control.
I like to make note cards even if I don't need to refer to them. It makes me more confident going in to the presentation. Just the fact that I've written the information down once helps me to retain it and retain the order in which I would like to give my presentation.
Sandra,
I do encourage speakers to have some sort of note system. The only caution is to make sure that it's easy to read & easy to find your place, otherwise you have awkward silence which can throw you even more.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Sandra,
I do encourage speakers to have some sort of note system. The only caution is to make sure that it's easy to read & easy to find your place, otherwise you have awkward silence which can throw you even more.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Note pads act as a good "cheat sheet"! Also, when you get nervous or your mind starts to wander. Sometime when your mind starts to wander during your speech, it helps you get back on track.
david,
great advice here. Use notes or note cards as your reference points & as you said, to keep you on track. Work hard to develop a conversational style, don't read to the audience!
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree to find note cards very effective for allowing me to stay focused and on task when giving presentations. It also allows me to use the card as a "cheat sheet" when adding valuable information or stats I want to remember and quote.
