Creating Effective Note Cards
English—Speech Unit
Effective note cards…
• Include keywords and short phrases that
trigger your memory
• Are written in a large, clear font or
handwriting
• Include full sentences for testimony only—no
exceptions!
• Are kept in order with easy-to-see numbers, in
case they are dropped or shuffled
Effective note cards…
3
Michael J. Fox
Influence – acting coach
TV show in Canada
Big hit—”Family Ties” as Alex P. Keaton
Reflects “yuppie” movement & conservative ideals
Chosen for Back to the Future by Spielberg
The Big Mistakes!
When creating notecards, DO NOT…
• Write your entire speech and black out/erase
words until you reach the word limit
Michael J. Fox was born Michael Andrew Fox in 1961 to parents
William and Phyllis in Edmonton, the capital of the Canadian province
of Alberta. (He later adopted the "J" as an homage to legendary
character actor Michael J. Pollard.) Fox, a self-described "Army brat,"
moved several times during his childhood along with his parents,
brother, and three sisters. The Foxes finally planted roots in Burnaby,
British Columbia (a suburb of Vancouver), when William Fox retired
from the Canadian Armed Forces in 1971. Like most Canadian kids, Fox
loved hockey and dreamed of a career in the National Hockey League.
In his teens, his interests expanded. He began experimenting with
creative writing and art and played guitar in a succession of rock-androll garage bands before ultimately realizing his affinity for acting.
Michael J. Fox was born Michael Andrew Fox in 1961 to parents
William and Phyllis in Edmonton, the capital of the Canadian province
of Alberta. (He later adopted the "J" as an homage to legendary
character actor Michael J. Pollard.) Fox, a self-described "Army brat,"
moved several times during his childhood along with his parents,
brother, and three sisters. The Foxes finally planted roots in Burnaby,
British Columbia (a suburb of Vancouver), when William Fox retired
from the Canadian Armed Forces in 1971. Like most Canadian kids, Fox
loved hockey and dreamed of a career in the National Hockey League.
In his teens, his interests expanded. He began experimenting with
creative writing and art and played guitar in a succession of rock-androll garage bands before ultimately realizing his affinity for acting.
The Big Mistakes!
When creating note cards, DO NOT…
• Write your entire speech and black out/erase
words until you reach the word limit
• Cram all of your information on one card
3
Michael J. Fox
Influence – acting coach
TV show in Canada
Big hit—”Family Ties” as Alex P. Keaton
Reflects “yuppie” movement & conservative ideals
Chosen for Back to the Future by Spielberg
Schedule didn’t allow it—original Marty not good, Fox returns
Shoots FT daytime, BTTF nighttime
Fame soars after BTTF
Struggles with celebrity status
Enjoys club and celebrity life
Finally meets wife on FT set
Marries Tracy Pollan, settles down
Hand tremors on set of Doc Hollywood
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 1991—becomes advocate
Starts M.J.F.F.Parkinson’s Research
Continues to fight for research opportunities and funding today
The Big Mistakes!
When creating note cards, DO NOT…
• Write your entire speech and black out/erase
words until you reach the word limit
• Cram all of your information on one card
• Write sloppily, too small, or any other way
that prevents you from seeing your notes
easily
3
Michael J. Fox
Influence – acting coach
TV show in Canada
Big hit—”Family Ties” as Alex P. Keaton
Reflects “yuppie” movement & conservative ideals
Chosen for Back to the Future by Spielberg
Schedule didn’t allow it—original Marty not good, Fox returns
Shoots FT daytime, BTTF nighttime
Fame soars after BTTF
Enjoys club and celebrity life
Struggles with celebrity status
Finally meets wife on FT set
Marries Tracy Pollan, settles down
Hand tremors on set of Doc Hollywood
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 1991—becomes advocate
Starts M.J.F.F.Parkinson’s Research
3
Michael J. Fox
Influence – acting coach
TV show in Canada
Big hit—”Family Ties” as Alex P. Keaton
Reflects “yuppie” movement & conservative ideals
Chosen for Back to the Future by Spielberg
So remember…
Use the effective card format!
3
Michael J. Fox
Influence – acting coach
TV show in Canada
Big hit—”Family Ties” as Alex P. Keaton
Reflects “yuppie” movement & conservative ideals
Chosen for Back to the Future by Spielberg