In the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment news, a teleprompter can be your best friend or your worst enemy. For content creators, broadcasters, and anyone stepping in front of the camera, mastering the teleprompter is crucial. But let’s be real—it’s not as easy as it looks.
So you want to improve your on-camera delivery? Gaining comfort in front of the teleprompter is one way to do it. But if you’ve ever struggled to read from a teleprompter smoothly, you’re not alone. Make it easier on yourself, and conquer some of the most common teleprompter mistakes. By the end, you’ll know how to deliver your lines like a seasoned pro.
Speaking Too Quickly
One of the most frequent mistakes is speaking too fast. When you’re nervous or trying to keep up with the scrolling text, it’s easy to speed up. This can make your delivery feel rushed and your words hard to understand.
To avoid this, practice speaking at a moderate pace. Use a metronome app to help you find a comfortable rhythm. Remember, it’s okay to pause; your audience needs time to absorb what you’re saying.
Poor Eye Contact
Maintaining eye contact is key to connecting with your audience. Staring too intently at the teleprompter screen can make you look robotic and detached—especially if you fall into the trap of not blinking while reading!
Instead, glance at the teleprompter and then look into the camera. Practice reading short phrases and shifting your gaze naturally. This will make your delivery more engaging and authentic.
Inconsistent Pacing
Pacing is vital for maintaining the audience’s interest. An inconsistent tempo—speeding up, slowing down, or pausing awkwardly—can disrupt the flow of your presentation.
One way to help? Pay attention to punctuation; it’s there to support you. Periods are your natural breath and pause. Practice reading the script aloud, focusing on maintaining a steady pace. Recording yourself can also be beneficial, as it allows you to identify and correct pacing issues.
Ignoring the Audience
Your viewers are there because they’re interested in what you have to say. Ignoring them by focusing solely on the teleprompter can make your presentation feel impersonal.
Remember to engage with your audience. Smile, use hand gestures, and modulate your voice. These small adjustments can make a big difference in how your message is received.
Mispronunciations
Teleprompters can sometimes display difficult words or names. Mispronouncing them can undermine your credibility and distract your audience.
Take the time to review your script and learn how to pronounce challenging words. Practice saying them out loud until you’re comfortable. If possible, break them down phonetically in your notes.
Reading Word-for-Word
The last teleprompter mistake people make deals with delivering your script verbatim. Doing so can make you sound monotonous and disengaged. Try your best to inject some personality into your delivery.
Focus on conveying the message rather than reading every word. Use the teleprompter as a guide, but speak naturally. Your audience will appreciate the authenticity.
Ready to take your teleprompter skills to the next level? Start practicing today, and soon you’ll deliver your lines like a seasoned broadcaster.
