Teleprompter Tips: How to Sound Natural on Camera

The Teleprompter Paradox

A teleprompter should make on-camera work easier. But for many creators, it does the opposite — their delivery becomes stiff, their eyes glaze over, and they sound like they're reading (because they are).

The goal isn't to hide that you're using a prompter. It's to deliver scripted content with the same energy and connection you'd have in natural conversation.

Why People Sound Robotic

Understanding the problem helps fix it:

Reading Speed Mismatch

Your eyes read faster than you speak naturally. This creates a disconnect that viewers sense.

Eye Movement Patterns

Natural conversation involves eye movement. Teleprompter reading creates an unnatural fixed gaze.

Breath and Pauses

When reading, people often forget to breathe and pause naturally.

Emotional Disconnect

Words on a screen don't carry emotion — you have to add it.

Tips for Natural Delivery

1. Write for Speaking, Not Reading

Most teleprompter problems start with the script. Written language and spoken language are different:

Written: "The implementation of the new policy will commence on the first of next month."

Spoken: "The new policy starts next month."

Write the way you actually talk. Use contractions, shorter sentences, and simple words.

2. Set the Right Speed

The prompter should match your natural speaking pace — not the other way around. Adjust until you can read comfortably with room for pauses.

Most people set the speed too fast. Slow down.

3. Use Chunking

Don't read word by word. Read in phrases:

Instead of: "Today — we're — going — to — talk — about..."

Read: "Today we're going to talk about... [pause] ...something important."

Group words into natural speech chunks.

4. Mark Your Script

Add markers for:
- Pauses — Where to breathe and let ideas land
- Emphasis — Words or phrases to stress
- Transitions — Where you're shifting topics

These cues help you remember to deliver, not just read.

5. Look Through, Not At

Imagine you're looking at someone just past the prompter, not at the words themselves. This subtle shift makes your gaze more natural and engaging.

6. Practice the First and Last Lines

Memorize your opening and closing. These are the moments when connection matters most, and delivering them without reliance on the prompter adds authenticity.

7. Allow Imperfection

Small stumbles and self-corrections actually make you sound more human. Don't restart for minor imperfections — work through them naturally.

8. Use Bullet Points for Complex Topics

For sections requiring nuance, switch from full scripts to bullet points. This forces you to speak naturally while keeping you on track.

Technical Setup Tips

Font and Size

Use a large, clean font. You should be able to read comfortably at a glance, not squint.

Margins

Wide margins keep text in a narrow column, reducing eye movement.

Contrast

High contrast (white text on black background) reduces eye strain.

Distance

Position the prompter as close to your lens as possible to minimize the angle between your eyeline and the camera.

Mirror Mode

Make sure mirror mode is set correctly — nothing breaks delivery like reading backwards text.

The Practice Protocol

1. Read aloud before recording — hear how the words sound
2. Record yourself and watch the playback critically
3. Focus on one improvement at a time
4. Compare scripted and unscripted delivery to identify differences

The Goal

The best teleprompter users don't look like they're using one. The script becomes a safety net, not a crutch — ensuring accuracy while allowing natural delivery.

OnAirFlow includes a built-in teleprompter with adjustable speed, font size, and mirror mode. Try it free.