Tips For Reading From A Teleprompter
Today, I share some tips on how to successfully work with teleprompters when you’re on camera. Teleprompters are electronic text displays that allow you to read a speech or script. Think about your local newscasters, or if you prefer, Ron Burgandy in Anchorman. Most modern teleprompters, however, are just a mirror where you use the software on a tablet to reflect on the teleprompter. They work great for long, specific messages you want to communicate -- anything from training videos, vlogs, or television productions.
Keep these things in mind when using a teleprompter on camera:
1. Avoid eye movement
Though you will be reading from the teleprompter, we don’t want it to appear that you are reading by seeing your eyes move from left to right. There are a couple ways to do this. First, you can decrease the area of the text so that you are reading from a narrower margin. Second, you can increase the size of the text so your eyes stay focused on the center of the screen.
2. Find your reading speed
If the teleprompter is too fast you’ll miss words; if it’s too slow you’ll have long pauses while you wait for it to catch up. Some teleprompters apps will help with this by detecting your voice and scrolling the text automatically.
Other high-end professional teleprompters allow another person to adjust the speed as you go. Most basic apps, however, will have you enter a speed before you start reading, so you’ll need to experiment to find what works well for you.
Many people find themselves reading and speaking too fast, so it’s okay to choose a lower speed and force yourself to read more slowly. I also like to include spaces between paragraphs that give people a little extra time to catch up if the teleprompter is going too fast.
3. Act natural
And I do mean act. It’s easy to get too focused on reading the teleprompter and come off more rigid than normal. Remember, we don’t want it to be obvious that you’re reading. Reading is hard enough, but you do have to put effort into making it sound like you’re talking off the cuff. Remind yourself to smile, use hand gestures, and vary your speech to combat monotone.
4. Rehearse
The more familiar you are with the script, the easier it will be to act naturally during the shoot. Reading from a teleprompter is especially difficult if you’re seeing the text for the first time, but if you know the script well and practice, the teleprompter will become more a reminder than a necessity. This opens up your focus to be on the delivery, rather than reading.
Teleprompters are ultimately there to make your job easier so we can showcase your message and personality in quality video. If you have questions, leave a comment on this video or reach out to me on our website.
Teleprompter app we use: https://apple.co/3zlk2dk
Teleprompter we use: https://amzn.to/3B7bGaW
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