Teleprompters are invaluable for executive messages, product launches, compliance-sensitive statements, and any on-camera moment where words matter. Used well, they preserve accuracy and timing without sacrificing authenticity. Used poorly, they create the giveaway “prompter stare,” robotic cadence, and darting eyes. This guide distills practical, production-proven methods for decision makers who expect broadcast-quality results on tight timelines.
When a Teleprompter Is the Right Tool
- Precision matters: regulatory, legal, or investor-facing language must be exact.
- Time is fixed: conferences, media windows, and paid slots demand scripted efficiency.
- Many voices, one message: consistency across executives, markets, or languages.
- High volume shoots: multiple scripted segments in one day benefit from repeatable flow.
The Right Teleprompter for the Job
- Through-the-lens (TTL) beam-splitter: Sits in front of the lens so talent looks straight “into the audience.” Best for direct-to-camera messaging.
- Presidential (off-axis) pair: Two glass wings flanking the podium for live events; ideal when recording stage presentations.
- Confidence monitors: Downstage or off-camera displays for talk-show, panels, or walk-and-talks where a hard eye-line isn’t required.
- Remote/virtual options: Mirror-flipped overlays near the webcam, or small beam-splitters for laptops when executives present from a home office.
Lens & distance tips
- Favor 50–85 mm (full-frame) for flattering, compressed perspective that also softens micro eye-movements.
- Place TTL glass close to lens and keep talent 5–10 feet from the prompter; adjust font size so eyes don’t need to “scan.”
- For outdoors, use high-brightness monitors and flags/hoods to control reflections.
Write “Ear-First” Copy (So It Sounds Like You)
- Target pace: 100–130 words per minute for natural corporate delivery.
- One thought per line: 12–18 words; short, declarative sentences.
- Mark the music: add cues like [PAUSE], (smile), [EMPHASIS], [B-ROLL CUT].
- Numbers & names: spell out tough pronunciations (e.g., EE-lee-uh), round numbers when possible, and avoid dense data stacks.
- Punctuation is your friend: it drives breathing and rhythm; avoid ALL CAPS.
- Estimate length:
words ≈ minutes × target WPM(e.g., 2 minutes at 120 WPM ≈ 240 words).
Coaching On-Camera Talent
- Follow, don’t force: the operator matches the reader’s pace—not vice versa.
- Eyes: keep copy centered vertically; scrolling too near the top/bottom triggers visible saccades.
- Breath & cadence: read in phrases; micro-pauses land meaning and reset facial energy.
- Body setup: light stool for stability, feet planted, shoulders relaxed, lens at or just below eye level.
- Glasses & glare: tilt prompter glass a few degrees, raise key light slightly, and use matte frames/AR coatings when available.
- Smile with the eyes: subtle expression reads as confidence; “neutral face” often photographs as stern.
Operator Best Practices (The Secret Sauce)
- Rehearse speeds: start slow, then ramp to the talent’s natural cadence.
- Version control: lock naming (e.g.,
CEO_TownHall_v7_APPROVED) and keep a visible change log. - Chunk by beats: section headers and white space reduce cognitive load.
- Live editing: designate one owner to accept last-minute tweaks; no dueling cursors.
- Redundancy: second prompter system on standby; UPS on the monitor/computer.
Multi-Camera & Editorial Strategy
- A/B cameras: keep identical prompter sizes and distances to maintain eye-line fidelity across angles.
- B-roll cover: plan intentional cutaways so micro-stumbles never appear; slate pickup lines as full phrases for easier edits.
- Captioning & transcripts: prompter scripts accelerate accurate captions, translations, and accessibility.
Remote & Hybrid Workflows
- Webcam-level eye-line: place the overlay within 1–2 inches of the lens axis.
- Latency management: wired peripherals and local scroll control reduce hiccups on live webinars.
- Background discipline: maintain production lighting and sound standards—even for remote execs.
Day-Of Teleprompter Checklist
Gear & Prep
- TTL prompter with proper hood, high-nit monitor, backup unit, mirror-flip enabled
- Dedicated laptop with clean user profile, wired controller, and font packages
- Lens kit (50–85 mm), matte box/flags, anti-glare wipes, UPS/power distribution
Script & Run-of-Show
- Final script in large, high-legibility font (≥48–72 pt at typical distances)
- Marked beats, pronunciations, and B-roll cues
- Time targets per segment; slate takes consistently
On-Set Flow
- 10-second eye-line test recording for each setup
- Speed calibration pass; note WPM sweet spot
- Glasses/glare check, wardrobe lint roll, lav placement away from jewelry
Teleprompter-Ready Script Template (Copy/Paste)
Title: Product Update – Q4 Customers
Speaker: [Name, Title]
Target Length: 2:00 (≈ 220–260 words)
[OPEN – SMILE]
Good morning. I’m [Name], [Title]. [PAUSE]
Today we’re announcing three updates that make your team faster and more secure. [PAUSE]
[SECTION 1 – BENEFIT]
First, [feature] reduces manual steps by [simple claim]. (show demo) [PAUSE]
[SECTION 2 – PROOF]
Second, customers like [Client] saw results in weeks, not months. [PAUSE]
[SECTION 3 – CTA]
Finally, if you’re on [plan], you’ll get these automatically on [date]. [SMILE]
[CLOSE – GRATITUDE]
Thanks for being with us. For details, visit your account portal. [PAUSE]
We’re excited to help you do more with less. [HOLD SMILE]
Why This Matters for Decision Makers
A strong teleprompter workflow protects message integrity, increases shoot throughput, lowers retake fatigue, and speeds post-production. It also elevates executive confidence. In other words: fewer surprises, tighter timelines, and results that persuade.
Work With a Crew That Makes Prompters Invisible
St Louis Commercial Video Production is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and creative crew service experience for successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production and licensed drone pilots. St Louis Commercial Video Production can customize your productions for diverse types of media requirements. Repurposing your photography and video branding to gain more traction is another specialty. We are well-versed in all file types and styles of media and accompanying software. We use the latest in Artificial Intelligence for all our media services. Our private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes. Our studio is large enough to incorporate props to round out your set. We support every aspect of your production—from setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators, as well as providing the right equipment—ensuring your next video production is seamless and successful. We can fly our specialized drones indoors. As a full-service video and photography production corporation, since 1982, St Louis Commercial Video Production has worked with many businesses, marketing firms and creative agencies in the St. Louis area for their marketing photography and video.
Angel Eye Video Productions and Photography 