How can you use a teleprompter for better video production?

Tech is getting better. You don't need a high end teleprompter now. I use an app on iPhone that helps me read the script while I record on my mirrorless camera. However, this only works when you are sitting close to the camera lens. If you have a wide shot or are far from the camera lens, you have to invest in a good teleprompter.

Make sure you proofread your script before you start recording. Experiment with the settings and choose the best font, size, and speed that works for you.

Writing for print or online reading and writing for a teleprompter are two different things. Use symbols and formatting options to make sure you understand different parts of the script. If your teleprompter allows rich text formatting, even better. Plan sections where you need to emphasise on sentences, take pauses or vary delivery speed and tone. Practice them on the tele first before you start recording.

I think this is the fundamental puzzle piece of using a teleprompter. Spend time on writing and polishing the script (& being familiar with it) rather than practising the script 50x. Consider: - adding a story to your script - reformat long sentence into shorter ones - due to your breathing (as well as understandability) - check the level of your text - can a fifth-grader understand it or only a PhD educated person - does that align with your audience's level? - are you using words specific to your audience? - do a few practise rounds before recording - ideally use two devices - one for editing the script & the other to read from (use cloud sync ideally) - play with the settings of the teleprompter software to have optimised readability

If you practice the script with a teleprompter and it sounds off... it's a great sign! Means you're using the teleprompter right (also means you wrote the script wrong, but don't worry). It's a normal stage in polishing the script and it means you're identifying its weaknesses. So don't try to squeeze the script into the teleprompter or force the presenter to try harder. Edit the script to the point when the presenter is comfortable speaking and you are happy listening.

Here's a secret, the time you take to re-record due to mistakes can be easily avoided when you practice on the tele. Always record at least one practice version before every shoot to make sure all is working well.

Keep a checklist with you. It will help you make sure you follow all steps and checks when recording. Especially if you are doing it all alone.

-Avoid Over preparation, to get natural delivery -Treating your subject as a mere talking head will reduce Impact -Use proper sub sections and items in script. -Highlighted Text helps in finding items faster during shoot and prepration of same.

Presenting for video is never good enough, and this is great news. I'm telling this from my 5 years' experience of presenting scripted videos and live broadcasts for the BBC (Ukrainian and global audiences). No matter how many takes you record, there will always be room for improvement. The trick is, you can't improve the quality overnight, it comes with years of practice. And this knowledge is liberating. Once you've identified and fixed weak points of the script and presenting, once you've recorded several good takes, stop. This is as good as you can do at this point, and it's ok. Now, send that video to editing, polish the product and publish. Only afterwards, take a look back and decide what you would do better next time.