Admittedly, we’ve gone back and forth on teleprompters for years, seeing both the positives and negatives they represent. What we’ve come to realize, after editing literally thousands of advisor videos, is two-fold:
- It’s hard being consistent with video and teleprompters make it easier.
- Eye-line technology has improved, so you don’t have to look like you’re reading.
Using a teleprompter can feel a bit intimidating. Over the years we’ve found certain skills and workflows that help make the teleprompter experience as smooth as possible. Here’s what we’d recommend:
1. Script Your Full Remarks
Writing your script in advance leads to a clear and punchy message. It also gives you a chance to run your message by compliance before filming. By front-loading the work, you make recording easier and avoid compliance revisions afterwards. Just remember to write your script like you talk. It should feel conversational.
2. Leverage the Right Equipment
If you’re looking even slightly off-camera or give the appearance of reading, your videos feel “off.” While you can certainly buy a traditional teleprompter, there are other options to consider as well.
- PlexiCam: This transparent mount allows you to position your webcam directly in front of your computer screen, aligning it with your teleprompter text.
- iContact Camera Pro achieves a similar result, placing the camera closer to your eye line.
- Phone-Based Teleprompter: Your phone’s camera is quite capable, and matched with a teleprompter app, it becomes an all-in-one video capture device. Better teleprompter apps place the text right beside the camera, helping you look very natural.
- Traditional Teleprompter: A teleprompter connects to your computer and places text on a reflective glass screen positioned in front of your phone, camera, or webcam. This is certainly effective and has been used for decades, but is more expensive and challenging to assemble.
- AI Eye Correction – The newest and perhaps coolest development are AI tools that can subtly adjust your eye positioning to make it appear as if you’re looking directly at the camera, even if you weren’t. The image below showcases what’s possible.
3. Film in Batches
Instead of setting up your camera, lighting, and microphone for every individual video, schedule a dedicated filming session to record multiple clips at once. There is a reason why game shows and TV series film this way. Even though you’re filming all at once, you’ll stagger the video releases over the coming weeks or months.
4. Refine Your Delivery
Even with a teleprompter, smooth delivery takes practice. Read through your script multiple times, adjusting for a natural tone. Focus on inflection and pacing. Use gestures and expressions to add authenticity. If a line feels stiff, tweak it to be more conversational. Controlling the teleprompter’s scrolling speed and font size will help. If it’s too fast, you’ll seem rushed; too slow, and your rhythm will suffer.
A teleprompter can help you stay punchy and on-message, while making the recording process easier and more efficient. The nice thing is that with advancements in technology, you can reap those benefits while not looking overly stiff or like you’re reading. With a little practice, your on-camera confidence will grow, and your videos will have the polish of a seasoned pro.
