Whether you are delivering a speech at an event or recording your video, using a speech teleprompter would help to keep the flow of words as well as make eye contact with your audience. Although the technology itself is helpful for keeping speakers only on section, there are certain nuances to its delivery which make it a perfect blend of preparation meeting physicality. You need to be sounding as natural and conversational as possible rather than robotic, speaking directly with your audience using the language of the day.
Know Your Script
The first, and most important step that you can take to use a teleprompter effectively is knowing your script. The easy out is to believe that the teleprompter will do all of this for you — it won’t. It just ends up making your performance sound like it was sped up last minute on Waze or something monotone. Altering your delivery based solely from what’s typed in can make things seem rushed, and also monotonous! Rehearse the speech before stepping in front of that screen If you are familiar with your topics it will help the information easily connect, avoiding any stops due to new words or expressions. This practice also helps you stay relaxed and focused — why, because it is not your first time reading the script.
Maintain Natural Eye Contact
The ability to read off your script and keep eye contact with the camera is one of the major benefits to having a teleprompter. Still, too much specialized knowledge and direct eye contact with the speech teleprompter will make you wooden. Scan your eyes naturally around the room (or directly into camera, if video). It keeps a good equilibrium between what you read about and how to get your message through, making it feel more natural.
Control Your Pace
When you read off a teleprompter it can be very easy to speed up (the nerves are real!) Remember, Teleprompters move at a steady rate and you do not have to deliver every word in the same pace. So practice changing your speed, depending on the contents of what you are saying. Slow down during the highlighted parts and fast forward a bit more on less meaningful segments.
Focus on Tone and Emotion
You do not want this to sound like a scripted robot. This is why you must inject emotion, personality and energy into all of your communications. The teleprompter is nothing more than a guideline, you should sound natural and your enthusiasm must be heard in the intonation. Employ vocal variety — stress certain words, lowering your volume when it makes sense. Let your words be supported by facial expressions and gestures that animate the presentation.
Use Pauses to Your Advantage
However, one must take strategic pauses in between the delivery of a speech. It highlights by taking pause, keeps your rhythm and gives the audience time to absorb what has been said. Scrolling text is no excuse for speeding through the words. Embrace pausing and use it to anchor your words, giving a more powerful delivery that adds weight for the listener and shows you are in control of what is being said.
A speech teleprompter, when used right, will elevate your delivery. A little preparation, practice and focus on detail will enable you to use the teleprompter as an outstanding tool when it comes time for you communicate with confidence and connect with your audience. With your script in hand, lack of eye contact and flat tones can overshadow the informative content you worked so hard to deliver, but fear not — get prepared by practicing with these tips on learning how to speak like a pro!