The following are clues and cues used by lecturers and teachers to enable you to successfully listen for MAIN IDEAS and SUPPORTING DETAILS in lectures.

CLUES:

• VOICE CHANGE -- becomes louder.
• RATE CHANGE -- becomes slower.
• POINTING WITH FINGER FOR EMPHASIS.
• HITTING A FLAT SURFACE FOR EMPHASIS -- using hand, book, pencil, etc.
• WRITING ON BOARD FOR EMPHASIS -- anything written on board should be copied.
• REPETITION OF FACTS -- if it bears repeating, it bears copying down.

WORD CUES:

• MAIN IDEAS:
  • The main point is . . .
  • Note this . . .
  • Remember this . . .
  • Here is a major point . . .
  • The uses are . . .
• SUPPORTING DETAILS:
  • Besides . . .
  • Furthermore . . .
  • Moreover . . .
  • Likewise . . .
  • In addition . . .
  • Detail is . . .
• SUMMARY:
  • Finally . . .
  • In conclusion . . .

From: University Learning Center Resource File, 1997