(NOTE: Please feel free to cut and paste this article
and use it to help people who will be using a teleprompter.)
Use a conversational writing style
Keep in mind that your audience will hear your words, not see them. So, it’s
important to write in a way that, when spoken, sounds natural. For example, using
contractions is a simple way to make the written word more conversational.
Practice
There’s no substitute for practice. The more you practice and internalize the text,
the more you’ll put meaning into the words. It’s very important to practice
aloud. See how the words roll off your tongue. If needed, make changes in the text that
will make it easier to deliver.
Practice with a teleprompter
If time and budget allow, practicing your speech with a teleprompter can be beneficial. In
addition to raising your confidence level, it’s a great opportunity to edit the text
and hone your speech.
Pump up the excitement
The simple fact is, the video medium squashes your energy level. What seems like
"over the top" translates wonderfully on tape. Media savvy individuals pump up
the excitement of their performance (in intensity not volume) and instantly become more
interesting and appealing to watch.
Smile
Smiling is perhaps the simplest way to connect with your audience. The warmth of a smile
is a must, at the very least, at the beginning and end of your performance. A smile can
also be used throughout a delivery, almost regardless of the subject matter. As though
you’re telling a funny story, a smile creates an attitude that’s captivating to
watch.
Maintain eye contact
The magic of the teleprompter is that it enables you to look directly into the
camera’s lens, thus creating the illusion of eye contact with your audience. Take
full advantage of this by not darting your eyes away. Your continuous gaze really does
engage your audience. Eye movements away from the camera are distracting and will damage
your credibility.
Use non-verbal communication
Appropriate facial expressions and hand gestures are critical to your performance. Perhaps
nothing is more distracting to an audience than a "deer in the headlights," a
person who’s frozen except for their moving lips delivering a speech. Use your
expressions and gestures to amplify your words, stress important points, and show that
you’re passionate about what you’re saying. Watch television news anchors to
observe masters of the subtleties of facial expression and head movements.
Don’t shout
Unlike a live presentation in front of an audience, speak through the video camera to one
person at a time. Even if the tape will be watched by a massive audience, you connect to
each person individually, as though you’re speaking only to them. Save the shouting
for the convention hall.
Don’t follow the teleprompter
Your teleprompter operator is trained to follow you. Deliver your speech with pacing
that’s appropriate and comfortable for you. Be confident that the words will always
be there. When you pause, or even improvise off the script, your next word on the
teleprompter will be there waiting for you to pick it up.
Use us, we’re here to help
Most likely the crew working on your production have collectively been on thousands of
shoots and take great pride in their work. Feel free to ask questions. We really want you
to look your best!
