Notecard Expectations
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rather than working doing them in class
Using notecards is the preferred method because it helps with better eye contact, an important part of speech delivery.
Three other types of notes are also accessible if following the guidelines.
Notes can be typed in PowerPoint or Google Slides. Print out 4 slides to a page, cut neatly and ta-dah, you have notecards. Or if you prefer stiff paper, glue/tape them to actual notecards. These are notes and not the visual aid if you are using a slideshow.
A typed formal outline is also acceptable. Do not staple the pages. Write page numbers on them. These are notes, not a manuscript (written in sentences).
A bulleted list of points, not a formal outline, is also acceptable.
the spot-check grade: read details below
the eval: read details below
Whatever the type of notes used, they must be consistent in form and style for the speech at hand.
Do not have different sizes of notecards. Do not mix notecards and paper printouts.
Colored-coded notecards are fine. They help the speaker keep the different sections of the speech separated and may aid him/her in movement, change of pace, etc.
Do not write on the back of notecards or documents. Use front only. That way if you move away from the podium and carry your notes, the audience sees nothing on the back.
Be prepared for a notecard spot-check upon entering the classroom on speech-giving day.
The spot-check is worth 5 points and will be counted in the all other work category, so it is 20% of your overall grade. The spot-check will be referred to as “notecard prep” in PowerSchool.
The first due date listed for the speech performance is when the notes are due.
The instructor will run a spot check for every speech.
A second grade will be given for notecards. This is called “notecard eval” in PowerSchool. This is where the teacher scans the notecard according to the notecard expectations rubric.
This too is worth five points.
Most speeches have the two grades for the notecards: the notecard prep and the notecard eval. The teacher may modify this as the semester progresses.
The instructor reserves the right to modify this for individual students who come with incomplete speech preparation on a habitual basis.
cut or folded-up pieces of regular notebook paper
envelopes
printed out sources
sticky notes
documents on the laptop or another device that are not printed out
there is an entire tub in the classroom, so help yourself