Tips when using a Teleprompter App

Teleprompters are fantastic tools for displaying lengthy scripted pieces to the presenter. The script is loaded into an app or programme on the teleprompter and the script will display the text on a two way mirror. The lens of the camera is situated behind a glass mirror and does not pick up the writing on the other side of the glass. This gives the illusion that the presenter has memorised the dialogue. Teleprompters are a quick and efficient way of allowing presenter to deliver scripted pieces to the viewer without the need for learning lines; however they do have some drawbacks and things to be made aware of.

Ensure you have enough space between the prompter and the presenter. If the prompter is situated too close to the presenter the eyes will give away that the presenter is reading off something as movement will be picked up. To avoid this happening ensure you allow enough space between the presenter and the camera lens. If using studio lights ensure if you have to move closer to a wall or backdrop you are not too close as you may also cause shadows to fall.

If you can’t get the space between the presenter and the camera lens then ensure you use a lot of cutaways (other video shots) in the edit to compensate for any over movement with the presenters eyes.

Make sure no light gets in between the camera lens and the back of the glass as this will cause the camera lens to pick up the glass on the recording. Use a lint free glass cleaning cloth and clean all smudges, finger marks and dust off the teleprompter glass before recording. Try to avoid using any glass cleaning sprays on the glass unless recommended my the manufacturer. Some glass cleaners may remove the mirror surface or cause smearing on the glass.

When positioning the camera lens ensure it is as close to the rear of the teleprompter glass as possible (without touching it). Ensure you switch off or cover any ‘tally’ or recording lights from the camera and ensure that if you use a flip out screen this is switched off or folded back into the camera as any kind of light from the camera will reflect on the glass and this will affect the recording quality.

Be aware that if you are using a smart phone or camera with the onboard microphone then this could be stuck behind the prompter which may affect the audio quality. When using teleprompters it is best to use a separate microphone which can be plugged into an audio socket on the camera.

Write your script in a spoken style rather than a written style as this will ensure you sound like the information is coming from you and you're not reading off something.

Practice first. Read the script through a few times and make necessary adjustments. Look at the script size on the screen - is it big enough or do you need to shrink it down? What is the speed like? Experiment with a variety of different speeds and see what works for you before you hit the record button.

Prompters are useful tools but be aware that they can also reduce a natural personality from shining through to the viewer. Often presenters who use a prompter are focussed on getting the delivery and words read out correctly that they forget to use facial expressions, smile or use appropriate gestures. The art of presenting is not just about being able to read from a teleprompter but also to add your own personality into a video piece as well.

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