Creating Effective Note Cards

1. Creating Effective Note Cards English—Speech Unit

2. 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

3. 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 Futureby Spielberg

4. The Big Mistakes! When creating notecards, DO NOT… • Write your entire speech and black out/erase words until you reach the word limit

5. 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-and-roll garage bands before ultimately realizing his affinity for acting.

6. 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-and-roll garage bands before ultimately realizing his affinity for acting.

7. 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

8. 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 Futureby 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

9. 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

10. 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 Futureby 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

11. 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 Futureby Spielberg

12. So remember…Use the effective card format!

13. 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 Futureby Spielberg