Any time a presentation calls for the delivery of pre-written, detailed information within specific time frames, it’s time to use a teleprompter.
Also known as auto-cues or simply prompters, many types of television programs use these such as news and weather reports, game shows, scripted commercials and even documentaries and life style programs.
They’re also commonly used in non-broadcast video work where professionals need to record messages to associates, employees or prospective clients.
Owing to their ease of use and professional appearance, you often see them applied for live stage presentations such as award ceremonies, conferences, special even launches and aiding keynote speakers.
Anybody new to using a teleprompter tends be apprehensive. New users can feel discomfort, nervousness or even drowsiness. Some new presenters can even come across as appearing dishonest.
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.
Scripting for Success
Your presentation starts with the script. All your information and content is in the script. Designing your script to be spoken out loud is the key to a polished presentation.
Scripts can be delivered to the teleprompter operators in just about any word processing format for PC or Mac, typically via email. Just make sure to get your script out in good time.
Use contracted words whenever possible, because that’s what most people do when they’re speaking. Always look to keep your sentences short.
Your script should only contain text. No charts, images emphasis or highlighting of any description. Only text to be read out loud should be a part of your script.
If your presentation calls for visual aids, confine these to graphics that can be displayed to your audience.
Your production company will check the script and do some basic editing so the text reads clearly on the teleprompter monitor. Don’t overwhelm the auto-cue operator with masses of information or storyboards. This might well result in excess editing time and some pretty hefty fees. Keep it simple. Just provide the script!
Dressed for Success
After your script is finalized, it’s time to take a look at some of the visual elements of your presentation, namely, how you will look on video.
A script is most often written with a particular audience in mind, so dress accordingly.
Unless there is some theatrical ingredient to your presentation, presenters should usually dress in clothes they feel relaxed in that also fits the tone of the subject matter they are delivering.
It’s best to avoid strong, vivid reds and whites as they don’t flatter skin tones and they often copy poorly onto video.
Pinstripes, hound’s-tooth and any other patterns with very fine lines can also be distracting.
Makeup is used for both cosmetic and technical reasons . . . hiding blemishes is one thing but lights used in both video and stage environments are bright, harsh and hot, so makeup is often used to remove the shiny spots on the T of the face caused by the heat (and sometimes by nerves).
All that counts in video and stage projects is the end result. In these strange habitats, the final product is more important than the actual production stages, so don’t feel overly self conscious if the production company makes changes to your wardrobe or insist you need makeup.
Your producer should have given you more specific advice about what to wear and how to look your best, depending on the project.
On Location
Whether shooting in a studio, an office or in a street environment, one basic rule applies at all times. Safety first.
Check for loose cabling on the floors, overhead rigging, light stands and any other props in potentially hazardous positions.
The lights are not only bright, they usually burn very hot . . . so don’t touch!
Upon arrival, the Director will fill you in 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 production crew members. A sound operator, a camera operator, the Director and last but not least, the teleprompter operator.
Most of the technical work will be done before you arrive on set and after the shoot has finished.
First port of call will be wardrobe and makeup. If you have any changes or additions to the script though, make sure the teleprompter operator gets these as quickly as possible.
The teleprompter’s main job is turning a screen of computer output into a smooth, scrolling page of text to project into your monitor. Teleprompters only have very basic editing functions, so the more time the operator has to make additions, the better. Individual words are fairly straightforward to edit, but if you need to add new segments or whole pages, then that new addition has to be physically entered, whether typed or copied from a source.
When the set is ready, the script is ready and you are ready, grab a glass of water (not too cold) and when the Director says “3-2-1″ . . . it’s time for the action to start.
Lights, Camera, ACTION!
People will usually begin to fuss as you make your way to the camera . . . it’s best to let them get on with things.
You probably won’t get much feedback from the teleprompter operator unless any alterations are required during your pre-read.
When you look at the screen you’ll soon see why bullet points and other formatting are bad in this context – they’d use up a lot of screen space.
During rehearsal and the shoot itself, the Director is in charge of directing your performance. The teleprompter operator will step in with an overview of the cue if time allows though.
When you are ready to bring your presentation in-house, make things easy on yourself by using professional teleprompter software. Watch a demo of this great prompter now on YouTube. You can also find a Mac version at teleprompter Mac OS X.