How many cue cards should I use?

One per idea: usually three to six for a five-minute speech. More cards with less on each beats fewer, crowded cards.

Should I write full sentences on cue cards?

For a speech, no: keywords, plus the opening, closing and any quote word for word. For a video read to camera, yes, but keep sentences short.

Is it OK to use cue cards in a presentation?

Yes. Audiences accept notes; what they notice is someone reading with their head down. Glance, look up, then speak.

How to use cue cards for a speech or presentation

Updated October 27, 2026 · Anthony Delmotte

Short answer. Put one idea per card, written as keywords (or short full sentences if you will read on camera), in big print, and number every card. Hold the stack at chest height in one hand, glance down only between sentences, and move the top card to the back as you finish it.

1. Write one idea per card

A card is a step in your talk, not a page of your script. When a card holds one idea, a glance tells you where you are. If you can’t sum a card up in three words, split it.

2. Keywords for a speech, sentences for a camera

On stage, keywords are enough: you know the content, the card only reminds you of the order. Write out word for word only the opening line, the closing line, quotes and figures. On camera it is different: viewers expect exact wording and you will read, so write full but short sentences. Our cue card maker handles both: set fewer words per card for keywords.

3. Big print, one side, numbered

Use 20 point or more so you can read at arm’s length without bending your head. Write on one side only. Number every card in the corner: if the stack falls, you are back in order in seconds.

4. Hold them right

Hold the stack in one hand at chest height, not in front of your face. Keep the other hand free to gesture. As you finish a card, slide it to the back of the stack rather than flipping it over noisily.

5. Look down between sentences, not during

Glance at the card at the end of a sentence, find the next idea, then look up and say it. Talking to your cards is what makes them visible; pausing to glance at them looks like thinking.

6. Rehearse with the cards you will use

Practise with the final cards, not your full script. Time yourself: the speech time calculator gives a first estimate from the word count.

For video: put the cards under the lens

On camera, every downward glance shows. SmoothCue shows your cards on the iPhone screen, right under the camera, and highlights each word as you say it, so your eyes stay close to the lens.

Open the cue card maker