Teleprompter Training Tips

Also known as prompters or autocues, teleprompters are used extensively on television to deliver news or weather reports, in entertainment such as game shows or advertising and also for documentaries and life style programs.

Teleprompters also find demand in non-broadcast video work. Many professionals find a pre-recorded presentation the most effective method to get their message across to associates, work force or even for prospective clients.

Using a teleprompter is simple and the end result both professional and effective, making their use popular in such live stage presentations such as award ceremonies, live conferences, product launches and increasingly as live note holders for public speakers.

Initial experiences with a teleprompter might be a bit overwhelming. Inexperienced presenters might get slightly tongue-tied; nervous, drowsy or even come across as looking slightly shifty.

This article is a summary of what to expect on a video production and the best ways to get professional results by using a teleprompter during your next presentation.

Word Smithing

The script is your information source. It contains the content of what you want said . . . but all too often it’s written to be said, not spoken.

Scripts typically go to a production company who pass these to their auto-cue operators for processing. Most production companies can accept almost any word-processing formats on PC’s or Mac’s. Just be sure not to leave it until the last second.

To bring your production in-house, you’ll need to get your your own teleprompter software. You can find a demo of what good software can do for you on YouTube.

Use short sentences wherever possible and always try to employ the contracted form of words, to better mimic the way people speak and give your delivery a more natural flow.

Your auto cue script should only contain the text to be presented. No bullet points, indents, tables, charts, borders, scene directions . . . just your monologue.

If your presentation relies on visual aids, limit these to images that can be displayed to your audience.

Once the teleprompter operator gets your script, this will usually undergo some pretty basic formatting to ensure the script flows well and the words are clear on the auto-cue monitor. Making your script too complicated by using images or storyboards for example could well incur expensive editing. Stick to the basics . . . just the script!

First Impressions Do Count

With your script finished, you can turn your attention to the basic aspect of your presentation . . . how you’re going to look.

A script is normally written with a particular audience in mind, so dress accordingly.

Unless your production calls for a theatrical aspect, make sure to dress in comfortable clothing which matches the overall tone and atmosphere of your subject matter.

Avoid vivid reds wherever possible and steer clear of bright white clothing. These don’t copy well to video and are usually less than flattering to your skin tones.

Try to avoid clothes with fine lines like hound’s-tooth or pinstripes as these tend to distract attention on camera.

Makeup is used for both cosmetic and technical reasons . . . covering up imperfections is one thing but lights used in both video and stage environments are bright, harsh and hot, so makeup is often used to take out the shiny spots on the T of the face due to the heat (and sometimes by nerves).

Stage and video sets are strange environments to get used to. The end result is what counts. A video shoot might well look and feel wrong during the production, but if the end result looks good, that’s really all that counts. Don’t feel put out if you have makeup applied or your clothing rearranged.

Depending on the details, every project will probably have a producer who will be available to supply specific information and advice on clothing and overall appearance.

On Location

Whether shooting in a studio, an office or in a street setting, one rule applies at all times. Safety first.

Be aware of stray cables, low hanging overhead rigging, light stands and any other props in dangerous spots.

Make sure you avoid touching the lights. Intense and very, very hot!

Upon your arrival, the Director will acquaint you with all the details on how the set is actually set up and make all the crew introductions.

If you will be using a teleprompter, there will usually be a minimum of four crew members. A sound operator, a camera operator, the Director and last but not least, the teleprompter operator.

You probably won’t be involved in any of the technical matters and most of the tricky stuff will be for before you get there and after the shoot is finished.

Your first stop will be makeup and wardrobe, but if you do have any last minute changes to the script, get these to the teleprompter operator these as early as possible.

When all the script is in place and you’re ready to go, get a glass of water and wait for the Director’s “3-2-1 . . . ACTION!”

For more teleprompter training tips like these, visit www.promptdog.com.

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