In the United States, most people who give a speech from cards call them note cards, or simply index cards, after the ruled 3 × 5 cards sold in every drugstore. Teachers often require them for informative and persuasive speeches, and plenty of professionals still use them for toasts, sales pitches and conference talks. This page covers how to plan, write and print note cards that actually help when you are standing up in front of people.
Why note cards beat a script
A printed script looks safe, but it tempts you to read every word with your head down. Your voice flattens, you lose eye contact, and if you lose your place on a full page it can take several seconds to find it again. A phone has its own problems: the screen dims, notifications pop up, and scrolling while holding a microphone is awkward.
Note cards sit in between. Each one holds a single chunk of the speech, so finding your place means glancing at one short card, not scanning a page. Cards are also quiet, easy to hold in one hand, and they give nervous hands something to do.
How many cards you need
Start with your time limit. Most people speak at somewhere between 120 and 160 words per minute, so a five-minute speech is roughly 600 to 800 words. If each card covers one point of 40 to 60 words, that works out to around ten to fifteen cards for a fully written speech, or five to eight cards if you use key words only.
Not sure of your pace? The speaking speed test measures your words per minute in about a minute.
Writing each note card
- Write the speech first, then cut Draft the full speech in Google Docs or Word. Once it reads well out loud, decide which lines must stay word for word, usually your opening, any quotes and the final sentence.
- One idea per card Introduction, each main point, and the conclusion each get their own card. A long point can take two cards, but never put two points on one.
- Use key words and phrases Replace full sentences with the words that trigger them. “Teacher survey: 72%” is enough to remind you of a whole paragraph you already know.
- Add cues and numbers Number each card and mark delivery notes like [PAUSE] or [SLIDE 3] in brackets or a different color so they stand out.
Printing on Letter or index cards
You have two easy options. The first is to print several cards on a regular 8.5 × 11 inch US Letter sheet and cut them apart. EasyPalmCards draws the card outlines and sizes the cards to fit the printable area, so you get neat edges with a paper trimmer or scissors. Heavier 65 lb or 110 lb cardstock makes the cards easier to hold.
The second is to print straight onto blank index cards. Many home printers accept 4 × 6 cards through a rear or manual feed tray; 3 × 5 cards are trickier and depend on your printer’s smallest supported size. Set the card size to match, print one test card, and check the alignment before running the whole set. The card size guide lists exact dimensions.
School and work speeches
For class, note cards are common for informative speeches, persuasive speeches, book reports, history presentations and student council campaigns. If your teacher limits you to a set number of cards, set the card count first and let the editor fit your text to it, then trim until it reads cleanly. The oral presentation guide covers structure in more detail.
At work, cards are useful when you are presenting without slides, giving a toast at a team dinner, or answering questions on a panel. See business presentation notes for a structure that puts your recommendation first.