When making web videos, many people lack focus, speak timidly or with low confidence, and may even get so caught up in the moment that they appear to be jabbering morons. Teleprompter software can change all that.
Prompter software displays on screen a script that you have entered beforehand, scrolling at a user-defined speed. If the screen where the text is displayed is placed directly beside or underneath the camera, it can appear as if the presenter is looking directly at his or her audience while reciting a brilliant monologue from memory. Make sure not to sit too close to your screen and camera setup as this could have the effect of making your eyes appear crossed and your attention distracted. Sitting as far away as possible from the filming setup helps to blur the distance between the camera and the teleprompter and will make it appear more like you are actually looking directly at your audience.
A teleprompter can help you to plan out your speech ahead of time so that on camera you appear eloquent and together. Having a speech with a clearer, more well-defined direction will make your web videos more effective, but it’s still important to practice. Rehearse saying the text clearly a couple of times before filming. Even many professionals rehearse their parts before reading them off the teleprompter on camera, and this is especially important when first getting used to prompter software.
Instead of coming across like a rambling idiot, with prompter software you can design your speeches to flow, covering the ground you need to cover in a friendly, conversational manner. To get the best out of your prompter software, make sure your script sounds good before recording. You don’t want to sound like a five year old, but neither do you want to sound like a professor. Prompter software allows you to tweak your script until it is just right before filming. Make sure your script sounds like you – the best possible version of you – before rolling the camera.
When you make use of prompter software it takes a lot of the guess work and memory work out of the equation, allowing you to focus less on remembering what to say and more on your audience and how you come across to them. You are able to concentrate on the warmth in your voice, your silken tone, and your personal presentation. It’s hard to act as if you are speaking directly to a friend when you are facing a complicated mechanical setup, but prompter software will help you to keep that personal touch. Remember to inhale deeply before recording your part to make sure you don’t run out of breath in mid-sentence. With prompter software and these time-tested tips, you will be recording effective – and maybe even viral – web videos in no time at all.