Making Notes

Most people find that notes aren't really needed once you get to the final talk, but a good set of notes can help if you get off track during your presentation.

1. Determine the underlying concepts of the talk;


2. Decide on the minimum essential material needed to support that concept;


3. Working from an outline, write out the talk and practice it once or twice;


4. Reorganize the material so the talk flows more evenly, rephrase your statements as needed, and highlight key phrases;


5. Run through the talk again with a pencil and paper nearby. Refer only to the key phrases to recall the content of the talk;


6. If you run into problems, jot it down, then continue;


7. When finished, review your notes and comments;


8. Rework the talk by incorporating your comments. Remove unneeded words and sections, and include comments or symbols to remind yourself of upcoming items, such as a new slide;


9. Run through the talk once more, writing comments as you go;


10. Transcribe the keywords onto index cards;


11. Write out the first few sentences of your introduction only. These sentences can serve as a springboard to get into the rest of the talk;


12. Write across the short dimension and on only one side of each card, keeping the bottom 1/3 of the card blank. Use the blank space for later comments or references, and for numbering the cards in a final sequence;


13. Use a subdued color of card instead of a conspicuous white card; these will be less distracting for the audience during the real talk;


14. Practice again a few times, modifying as necessary, then punch a hole through the bottom left corner of the card and string the cards in sequence onto a clasp ring. Tape the clasp ring closed!

Adapted from Jeff Radel's Preparing Talks Website.