Reading a script from a teleprompter to make your video isn’t as easy as it sounds. In this post I’ll say when to use a teleprompter, the pros and cons.
First watch this video to see what it is and how it works:
Pros
The teleprompter means you get your message right in front of the camera, when every second counts. Without ums and ahhs, and without having to memorise anything. You’re saved the effort of having to learn lines, though you will still need to practice. It reduces the need to stop and start filming every few lines.
Cons
However, folk often look a bit wooden reading from a teleprompter unless they’re very used to it. I find my face looks a bit stern as a focus on the words scrolling. Plus you’re also not getting the visual feedback from talking to a real person so you’ll be a bit expressionless. Two main things to do to prepare to minimise this, are:
- Write your script the way you speak. Use plain English, no waffle. Minimise technical jargon. Remember you only have around 150 words per minute of video.
- Practice. Practice out loud in front of a mirror or mobile phone. Practice half a dozen times and fix up your script where you need to, each time. Even though you’ll be reading, you need to know well what’s coming next. This way you don’t have to have your eyes too fixed on the teleprompter. You’ll have more brain space to think about being more expressive with your face and smile.
If you can overcome its negatives, the teleprompter is a really handy tool. Try different methods and see what works for you. For example try talking to dot points on a card or peice of paper stuck below the camera lens. This TED talk article infact argues you should only use dot point prompts, not a teleprompter.
To find out more, talk to Keith Rhodes, Director,
Clips That Sell Pty Ltd
