Teleprompter Tips

So you’ve decided to use a teleprompter for your shoot? Great –  here are our top teleprompter tips to help you get the most out of using one and avoid any hiccups along the way.  If you’re still not sure whether a teleprompter (also known as an autocue) is the right choice for your project – have a read of this article. 

Part 1. Teleprompter tips for the script writer

Read the script out loud. Writing for reading is different to writing for speaking. You want the words to roll right off the tongue naturally. It also should be written for the ‘voice’ of whoever will be presenting it, so think about their way of phrasing things.

 

Time the script read. Take advantage of the fact that you can control the timing when using a teleprompter. Make sure it’s the right duration to save issues like edit costs blowing out, or your video becoming boring for viewers.

Determine if it’s word for word or dot point prompts. Primarily, a teleprompter is used when you want the talent to stick to a word-for-word script, but it can also be used to display talking points to guide them along and provide reminders.

Delete any unnecessary line breaks, headings or text. Anything that is not intended to be read aloud will cause delays and distractions, so streamline your script. But if you do want to dictate a pause – simply adding a line break is the best way to do this. 

Get input and approvals from the relevant stakeholders in advance. One of the benefits of a teleprompter is that you do know the content in advance – so save yourself troubles by getting all the necessary organisational and legal clearances done before the shoot.

Part 2. Tips for the presenter

Start reading aloud once the text is halfway up the screen. This means you won’t be waiting for the text to catch up to you, and that it won’t get ahead of you either.

 

 

Ask for the text to be at a size that you can comfortably read. If it’s too small you’ll not only be squinting, straining and slow, but also your eyeline will be darting from side to side trying to read the lines.

Do a run through or two. This will allow you to warm up and will also allow the teleprompter operator to get a gauge of your pace. If they aren’t getting the pace quite right, let them know so that they can fix it. Plus with a teleprompter, the better you know the content, the more focus you can give to your delivery and the less it seems like you are reading.

Present as you would normally. Without overthinking it, try to use any hand gestures, head movements etc just as you would when presenting in any other context, this helps hide the fact that you are reading and gives a more natural feel to the delivery.

Hold your eye line and your smile at the end for 3 seconds. It’s tempting to look away and relax as soon as you get past that last word of the script, but holding your gaze and mood for a moment is a major help in the edit. Doing this will mean there is time to fade out the music and fade on the graphics and call to action.

Using a teleprompter is easier than you think. By applying these teleprompter tips, and with a little practice, you’ll find yourself really making the most of it. Whether it’s in the scripting process or on set, Rocket Productions can provide guidance and direction on getting the best out of your teleprompter shoot, give us a call to talk about how we can collaborate on your next project.