Learning how to use a teleprompter effectively transforms your video recording and public speaking from amateur to professional. This comprehensive guide teaches you everything from basic setup to advanced techniques used by broadcast professionals, YouTube creators, and executive speakers.
A teleprompter displays scrolling text that allows you to read your script while appearing to look directly at your camera or audience. The text scrolls at a controlled pace matching your speaking speed. Modern online teleprompters run in your web browser with no specialized equipment required - just a device with a screen and your camera.
For video recording: Use a laptop, tablet, or smartphone positioned directly behind or below your camera lens. The goal is minimal eye movement between teleprompter and camera.
For live presentations: Position a laptop or tablet on a podium, music stand, or dedicated teleprompter stand at eye level, 6-10 feet away.
Navigate to your online teleprompter tool in a web browser. No downloads or installations required. The software should load instantly with a simple, distraction-free interface.
Paste or type your script into the text field. Important: Write your script in spoken language, not written language. Use contractions ("you're" not "you are"), shorter sentences, and conversational phrasing.
Adjust text size based on your distance from the screen:
Start at 50% speed and adjust. Too fast creates stress and errors; too slow sounds unnatural. Record a 30-second test to find your optimal speed. Most people perform best between 45-60%.
For video: Place the teleprompter screen as close to the camera lens as physically possible. A slight upward gaze (5-10 degrees above the lens) often appears more natural than looking straight at the lens.
For presentations: Position at eye level so you naturally face your audience while reading. You should not need to tilt your head down or up.
Read through your script 3-5 times before your actual take. Practice:
Click play and begin speaking naturally. Don't read word-for-word - internalize phrases and deliver them conversationally. Use the teleprompter as a guide, not a strict script.
Amateur mistake: reading every word individually. Professional technique: read an entire phrase (5-8 words), internalize it, then speak it naturally while glancing at the next phrase. This creates conversational flow instead of robotic delivery.
Professional speakers read from the teleprompter for 3-5 seconds, then look away (at the audience or different camera angle) for 1-2 seconds before returning to read the next section. This creates the impression of natural speech rather than reading.
Increase your energy level 15-20% above what feels comfortable. Reading text naturally decreases perceived energy. What feels "too enthusiastic" in person appears perfectly natural on camera or to audiences.
Honor every comma and period with a brief pause. Commas get a 0.5-second pause; periods get 1-1.5 seconds. These pauses allow your audience to process information and make your delivery sound thoughtful rather than rushed.
When focused on reading, people naturally blink less, creating an unnatural "staring" appearance. Consciously blink at a normal rate (every 3-5 seconds) to maintain natural eye appearance.
Symptom: Rushing through content, stumbling over words, sounding nervous.
Solution: Reduce scroll speed by 10-15%. Practice speaking slowly and deliberately. Remember: viewers can always increase playback speed, but they can't slow down rushed content.
Symptom: Every sentence sounds the same, lack of vocal variety, boring delivery.
Solution: Enable keyword highlighting and practice emphasizing highlighted words. Vary your pitch at the end of sentences (down for statements, up for questions). Record practice sessions and listen for monotony.
Symptom: Eyes clearly scanning left-to-right across text, obvious reading appearance.
Solution: Increase text size so you can read with minimal eye movement. Position teleprompter closer to camera. Use wider line spacing (insert line breaks more frequently).
Symptom: Frozen posture, no hand gestures, appearing stiff.
Solution: Practice delivering your script while moving naturally. Use hand gestures to emphasize points. Shift your weight occasionally. The teleprompter should enhance your natural presentation style, not eliminate it.
Symptom: Content sounds formal and unnatural, like an academic paper.
Solution: Write scripts the way you naturally speak. Read your script aloud before recording. If it sounds unnatural when spoken, rewrite it. Use contractions, informal phrasing, and conversational language.
Use the teleprompter for key points and critical information, but allow yourself to improvise transitions and explanations. This creates authentic delivery while ensuring important content isn't missed. Mark improvisation opportunities in your script with [IMPROV] tags.
Practice your script at three different speeds: slow (30%), normal (50%), and fast (70%). This adaptability allows you to adjust on the fly based on audience energy, time constraints, or unexpected situations.
Learn to use the navigation bar to jump to specific script sections. This enables you to skip content if running short on time, return to previous points during Q&A, or adapt your presentation based on audience needs.
Apply these techniques with our professional teleprompter tool. Adjustable speed, customizable text, navigation controls, and keyword highlighting - everything you need to deliver professional presentations and videos.
Practice with Free Teleprompter