Teleprompter Tips: How to Deliver a Natural and Engaging Performance

Sep 16

When it comes to delivering a corporate video, public speaking, or even a virtual event, using a teleprompter can be a game-changer. It allows speakers to maintain eye contact with the camera, stay on script, and avoid awkward pauses or missed points. However, the key to a successful teleprompter performance is to make it sound natural, rather than a robotic reading of words. From our years of hands on experience, here are some essential tips to help you deliver a smooth, confident, and engaging performance using a teleprompter.

1. Practice Makes Perfect

The more familiar you are with the script, the more natural your delivery will be. Spend time reading through the script multiple times before stepping in front of the camera. Practice helps you get comfortable with the content and rhythm, making it easier to adapt to the teleprompter's pace without sounding rehearsed.

2. Adjust the Scrolling Speed

A common mistake when using a teleprompter is setting the scrolling speed too fast or too slow. If the text moves too quickly, you might end up rushing your words; if it’s too slow, you might sound unnatural or stumble over lines. Adjust the scrolling speed to match your natural speaking pace. Most teleprompter apps or software allow you to control this speed, so take the time to find the right balance.

3. Make Eye Contact

One of the advantages of a teleprompter is that it allows you to look directly at the camera, giving the impression of eye contact with your audience. Try to keep your eyes centered and avoid darting back and forth, which can happen if you’re reading the script line-by-line. To enhance this effect, position the teleprompter text close to the camera lens, creating a seamless and natural connection with viewers.

4. Add Emphasis and Emotion

Reading from a teleprompter doesn’t mean you should sound monotonous. Bring energy and emotion into your delivery by varying your tone, pitch, and pace, just as you would in a normal conversation. Highlight key phrases and words in the script that you want to emphasize, and use your voice to convey enthusiasm, sincerity, or urgency, depending on the message.

5. Use Natural Pauses

Incorporate natural pauses into your speech to break up the flow and give the impression of spontaneous thought. Pausing not only makes your delivery more conversational but also allows the audience to digest the information. Look for punctuation marks in the script, such as commas and periods, as cues for short pauses.

6. Familiarize Yourself with the Content

Even though you have the script right in front of you, being familiar with the content is crucial. Understanding the material allows you to react more fluidly to the text on the teleprompter. You can add small ad-libs or adjust your tone to suit different parts of the message, making your performance appear less scripted and more genuine.

7. Practice Reading Aloud

Reading aloud helps you hear how your words will sound when spoken. It’s an effective way to identify areas where you might stumble, need to slow down, or where more emphasis is required. Practice reading the script out loud several times, focusing on clear pronunciation, pacing, and inflection.

8. Record and Review

Before the final shoot, do a practice recording of yourself using the teleprompter. Review the footage to spot areas for improvement, such as eye movement, tone, and pacing. Seeing yourself on camera is an excellent way to gauge your performance and fine-tune your delivery for a more polished result.

9. Keep a Relaxed Posture

Your body language plays a significant role in how natural and engaging your performance appears. Stand or sit up straight, keep your shoulders relaxed, and avoid stiff movements. Use natural hand gestures to complement your words and make your delivery more dynamic.

10. Don’t Be Afraid to Improvise

If something feels awkward to say, don’t be afraid to deviate slightly from the script. The goal is to sound as conversational as possible. A slight rephrasing or adding a small personal touch can enhance the authenticity of your message. Just be mindful not to stray too far off-script to maintain consistency.

Final Thoughts

Using a teleprompter effectively can significantly elevate your on-camera presence, ensuring that your message is delivered smoothly and confidently. By practicing these tips, you can transform your teleprompter performance into a natural and engaging presentation that resonates with your audience. Remember, the teleprompter is a tool to guide you—not a crutch—so let your personality and passion shine through every word you deliver. If you are in the Seattle area, feel free to reach out to Yes and Video to help facilitate the use of a teleprompter on your next video.

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