3 Tips for Using a Teleprompter

Do you have an upcoming video shoot planning out that requires you to read a long script directly to the camera? There is no need to have them memorize the entire script since they can use a teleprompter to feed them all of the lines. If you're new to using a teleprompter, these tips will help you use one correctly.

Set the Right Text Height 

One key to having a natural read from the teleprompter is going to be the height of the text. When the talent is far away from the camera, larger text is going to be necessary so that it is easy to read from a distance. However, the text is going to need to be much smaller when read from a short distance from the camera. Having text that is too big could cause the talent to have difficulty reading it while maintaining eye contact with the camera. You will likely see their eyes changing position frequently because the next line is likely going to be in a different position due to its size.

Scroll the Text at the Right Position

Keep in mind is where the text is located on the screen. It's not good enough to simply have the text on the screen for it to be read since the placement matters to avoid shifting eyes. The teleprompter operator will want to keep the text scrolling so that the next line is always right in the center of where the camera lens is located. If the talent is close to the camera, text at the bottom or top of the teleprompter screen is going to give the appearance that the talent is looking off camera.

Spell Out Numbers to Avoid Confusion

While a script is designed to make it easy for a script to be read without memorizing it, some mistakes can be made from reading the teleprompter based on the prep work is done. You will want to go through the script and be sure to spell out numbers in the way that you want them to be pronounced. There is a difference in saying the number 1,100 as either eleven hundred or one thousand one hundred, and spelling out the number avoids any confusion about how the number should be said. 

If you find yourself having trouble operating the teleprompter, consider bringing in a professional to handle it all for you. Learn more by contacting teleprompter services.