How to Use a Teleprompter: Complete Tutorial 2025
Using a teleprompter effectively is a skill that combines preparation, practice, and technique. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything from basic setup to advanced professional techniques for natural, engaging delivery.
🎯 Quick Start Guide
5-Minute Setup
- 1. Open our free teleprompter tool
- 2. Paste or type your script
- 3. Adjust font size (start with 60-80px)
- 4. Set scroll speed to medium
- 5. Practice reading ahead 2-3 words
📝 Step 1: Script Preparation
Writing for Teleprompters
- ✓Write conversationally: Use your natural speaking voice
- ✓Short sentences: Easier to read and deliver naturally
- ✓Phonetic spelling: Write difficult words how they sound
- ✓Add pauses: Use "..." or line breaks for natural breaks
- ✓Mark emphasis: CAPS or **bold** for important words
Script Formatting Tips
Good morning everyone...
Today we'll discuss THREE key points.
First... [pause]
The importance of EYE CONTACT.
⚙️ Step 2: Setup & Configuration
📏 Distance
Position 6-10 feet from screen for natural eye movement
📐 Height
Screen at eye level or slightly below
🔤 Font Size
Large enough to read comfortably without squinting
🎨 Contrast
White text on black or high contrast colors
⚡ Speed
Start slow (100-120 wpm) and gradually increase
💡 Lighting
Ensure screen is bright but not glaring
🎭 Step 3: Reading Techniques
The Professional Method
- 1. Read Ahead:Keep your eyes 2-3 words ahead of what you're saying. This creates natural flow and prevents robotic delivery.
- 2. Phrase Scanning:Read in chunks or phrases, not word-by-word. Group 3-5 words together mentally.
- 3. Peripheral Reading:Use peripheral vision to preview upcoming text while maintaining focus on current phrase.
- 4. Natural Pausing:Don't rush through periods and commas. Pause naturally as in conversation.
Eye Movement Tips
✅ DO:
- • Keep eyes centered on screen
- • Blink naturally and often
- • Look through the camera lens
- • Occasionally glance away naturally
❌ DON'T:
- • Dart eyes back and forth
- • Stare without blinking
- • Look above or below camera
- • Read word-by-word
🎤 Step 4: Delivery Techniques
🎭 Expression & Emotion
Don't let reading flatten your delivery:
- • Smile when appropriate
- • Use facial expressions
- • Vary your tone and pitch
- • Show enthusiasm and energy
🗣️ Voice Modulation
Keep your voice dynamic:
- • Vary your pace (not just scroll speed)
- • Emphasize key words
- • Use inflection for questions
- • Project confidence
👐 Body Language
Don't become a statue:
- • Use natural hand gestures
- • Maintain good posture
- • Move your head naturally
- • Stay relaxed and comfortable
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Reading Too Fast
Solution: Slow down scroll speed and practice pacing. Remember: you control the delivery, not the teleprompter.
Mistake #2: Monotone Delivery
Solution: Mark your script for emphasis and practice with emotion before recording.
Mistake #3: Obvious Eye Movement
Solution: Increase font size, reduce line width, practice peripheral reading.
Mistake #4: Losing Place
Solution: Use line markers, adjust scroll speed, practice the script beforehand.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Mistakes
Solution: Keep going for minor errors. Only stop for major mistakes that affect meaning.
🏋️ Practice Exercises
Daily Training Routine
Exercise 1: Speed Control (5 min)
Read the same paragraph at different speeds. Find your comfortable pace.
Exercise 2: Emotion Practice (5 min)
Read the same text with different emotions: happy, serious, excited, concerned.
Exercise 3: Peripheral Reading (5 min)
Focus on center while reading ahead. Gradually increase your preview distance.
Exercise 4: Improvisation (5 min)
Read bullet points and expand naturally, mixing scripted and improvised content.
Exercise 5: Recording Review (10 min)
Record yourself and watch back. Note areas for improvement.
🎬 Advanced Techniques
The Newsreader Method
Scan entire sentences at once, deliver from memory while eyes move to next sentence.
The Outline Technique
Use bullet points instead of full scripts, elaborate naturally on each point.
The Hybrid Approach
Mix scripted key points with improvised transitions and examples.
The Interview Style
Read questions from teleprompter, answer naturally without script.
📊 Progress Checklist
Skills to Master
💡 Pro Tips
Tip #1
Practice with a mirror behind your camera to check your eye line.
Tip #2
Warm up by reading tongue twisters before recording.
Tip #3
Use colored text for emphasis instead of relying on memory.
Tip #4
Record multiple takes and choose the best one.
Tip #5
Stand while reading for better energy and breath control.
Tip #6
Have water nearby but avoid drinking right before speaking.
🎯 Ready to Practice?
Start Your Teleprompter Journey
The best way to master these techniques is through practice. Use our free teleprompter tool to apply what you've learned.