Great Leaders are Great Speakers. Have you ever considered writing down a few keywords on 3×5 index cards to trigger memories of your great stories? I find this to be very effective in business and as many of my colleagues know, I always have index cards with me (and laminated)! Many of my laminated goal cards will just include a picture only and no text.

If you encounter work situations where you are asked for an impromptu speech with your team, then consider pre writing your stories/ideas on a couple index cards (just some words to trigger your memory of the story is all that’s needed). It’s another way of being prepared.

Former Presidents, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton have used this technique for media reporters Q&A sessions, with respect to viewpoints of the current world affairs. Each would have a few notes on cards (carrying them around in their pocket) to remember a story and respective thoughts around global subjects of foreign policy, taxes, international relations and all the pressing hot topics.

Great leaders are great communicators as we know and effectively craft great stories. As we will all hear the Martin Luther King speech today during this US holiday – “I have a Dream”, consider what business and life stories you have that might resonate with others. Consider laminating a handful of index cards with your stories and learning lessons and use them as a reminder/reference tool.

The benefit of having a handful of laminated index cards in you pocket at all times,is that it will help formulate you stories into the specific subject or question being asked if you are called upon for opinions. A great learning tool in this area of storytelling and preparedness is practicing with “Table Topic Cards”,http://www.tabletopics.com. These simple cards offer lessons in impromptu speaking, story telling and plenty of laughs.

When writing down your story,always be transparent. Leadership transparently, and taking off your “shield” and exposing yourself to your team may provide enormous benefits of the company culture, productivity and company reputation. Open and transparent relationships will enhance trust with team members.

When you jot down a few of your stories on the index cards, make sure you include stories of failure as well as success. We tend to focus on all the winners and not the losers many times when providing context to stories. Personally, I have index cards for the best successes and a separate list of topics related to failures. I take a lot of “failure risks” and fail all the time. As we all know, there are numerous learning lessons from failure.

3×5 Cards have many uses and they don’t always have to be used for to-do lists. Capture the words of your stories on a few cards and you can become a communication authority!