Do you have trouble staying on message? Do you lose your train-of-thought? Do you remember an important point after your presentation is over? No worries. It’s the teleprompter to the rescue.
Teleprompters are no longer just for broadcasters. Today’s presenters need broadcasting skills and there are times when a teleprompter will serve you well. You can download teleprompter apps for your phone and computer that will enable you to write your presentation and read it while filming a video.
Video presentations are more important than ever-especially for interviews. Imagine how you’ll stand out on linkedin and other social media platforms when you share your expertise in a short video. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or work for a company, your ability to present yourself is essential to your success. You can create a video to build your brand, gain visibility, present an idea, pitch yourself as the ideal job candidate, or thank the interviewer afterwards.
Using a teleprompter will enable you to look your best and impress the audience. So here are a few tips when using a teleprompter.
Write for the ear, not for the eye. Use natural everyday language so that you sound like yourself. For example, use contractions to sound less formal. Use shorter, action words. Rehearse out loud. Does it sound like a speech or does it sound like you?
Format your script. Use bolding, highlighting, underlining, and capitals to emphasize certain words or phrases. Use a forward slash / to indicate a pause, and a double slash // to indicate a longer pause. Use a font that’s easy to see but not so large that it takes up the whole screen. Write out names or difficult words phonetically.
Frame yourself. Choose a simple, clean background that doesn’t compete with you and your message. Choose a head shot or waist shot to create more intimacy. A full body shot will look more formal and create more distance between you and your audience. Also, the words may be harder to read at a distance.
Master eye contact. The goal is to see the script but to appear as if you’re looking at the audience. This takes practice. Don’t move your eyes from left to right or you’ll look like you’re reading. Test your eye contact by doing several takes. Usually, looking at the top line will work. You’ll need to experiment to look natural. It shouldn’t be obvious that you’re using a teleprompter.
Adjust the speed. If the words fly by too fast, you’ll speed up and sound nervous. If the words scroll one at a time you’ll sound boringly slow. The average speaking rate is 150 words per minute. You’ll want to test the right speaking rate and also vary your intonation. The speed should allow enough time to pause. Marking up the script will help add color and energy to the voice.
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. It takes a lot of preparation and practice to master the teleprompter. When you do, you’ll sound natural without missing a beat.