Crafting Effective On-Camera Copy: Tips for Writing for a Teleprompter

When it comes to creating copy for on-camera presentations, there are important differences to keep in mind compared to writing for print materials. The goal with on-camera copy is to create a natural and conversational tone, while also ensuring that the script flows smoothly and can be easily read from a teleprompter.

At Creative Images, we understand the importance of crafting effective on-camera copy. Here are some tips:

Sound conversational? It’s all scripted.

1. Keep it Simple and Conversational - Avoid using complex language or technical terms that may be difficult to read or understand on camera. Instead, focus on writing in a conversational tone that mimics the way people speak.

2. Pay Attention to Pacing - When writing for a teleprompter, it's important to keep in mind the pace at which the words will be read. Make sure your script is written in a way that allows for natural pauses and breaks, so that the speaker can comfortably read the words as they appear.

3. Use Active Voice - An active voice is a writing style where the subject of the sentence is doing the action. The sentence structure is straightforward and easy to understand, making it a more engaging and effective way of writing. In an active voice sentence, the subject performs the action and the object receives the action. This type of writing makes the sentence more concise, direct and dynamic.

   For example: "The dog chased the cat." This sentence is written in an active voice as the subject "dog" performs the action "chased" and the object "cat" receives the action.

   In comparison, a sentence written in a passive voice would be: "The cat was chased by the dog." In this sentence, the subject "cat" is the recipient of the action and the performer of the action is less emphasized.

   Using an active voice in your writing can help make your writing more lively, energetic, and engaging.

4. Emphasize Key Points - When writing for a teleprompter, it's important to make sure that key points are emphasized. This can be done through the use of bold or italicized text, or by breaking the script into smaller, easier-to-read sections.

5. Consider Visual Aids - It’s helpful for the on-camera talent to be aware of when they will be obscured by full-screen graphics or b-roll, so that they can adjust their delivery accordingly. These are also areas where a break may be taken.

By following these tips, businesses and organizations can create effective on-camera copy that will help to engage and inform their audience. Whether you're creating a corporate video, a customer testimonial, or a product demonstration, the team at Creative Images can help you craft copy that will deliver the results you're looking for. Contact us today to learn more.

If you found this post helpful, be sure to also read tips for performing on-camera with a prompter.

Maximizing Your On-Camera Presence: Tips for Reading from a Teleprompter

Teleprompters have revolutionized the way videos are produced, allowing a person to look directly into the camera lens while reading a script. However, it can be difficult to deliver a natural and confident performance while using one. So, here are some tips to help you make the most of this tool and ensure that your on-camera performance is professional and engaging.

Front view of Teleprompter

What is an On-Camera Teleprompter?

An on-camera teleprompter is a device that displays the script in front of the camera lens, allowing someone to look directly at the camera while reading their lines. This provides a natural looking performance, speaking directly to the viewer, yet reading prepared copy.

Write the Script in Speaking Tone

The key to delivering a confident and natural performance using this tool is to start with a properly-written script. The script should be written as if you were speaking to someone, not writing an essay. This will help ensure that your performance is conversational and engaging. See this post for writing tips.

Teleprompter and Camera

Maybe Only Use Bullet Points

For those with a natural speaking ability, sometimes the teleprompter only needs bullet-points to keep the speaker on track. This can help simplify the process and reduce the need to rely heavily on the prompter.

Relax and Be Natural

It's important to not be transfixed on the lens, afraid of missing a word. To be natural, you should look away from the lens, as if you are thinking of a word or using hand gestures. This can help make the performance feel more authentic and engaging. However, the ability to do this will come down to the script, so be sure to practice reading the script out loud to ensure that it feels natural and comfortable. That brings up our next point:

Practice Reading Out Loud

Practice is crucial when it comes to using a teleprompter. You should practice reading the script out loud to get a feel for the flow and cadence you want in your final performance. This will also help train your brain where to place emphasis and pauses, and can help you identify any problem areas in the script that may need to be rewritten.

Use Emotion

Just because you’re reading doesn't mean that you should throw out emotion. You should still act out the emotion, tone, or attitude that a particular sentence is supposed to contain. This will help ensure that your performance feels true and authentic, and keep the viewer is engaged.

More tips is from a popular YouTube channel.

In conclusion, teleprompters are an essential tool for any video production company, but it takes practice and attention to detail to deliver a confident and natural performance. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your on-camera talent is professional, engaging, and that your videos are a success.

At Creative Images, we understand the importance of delivering a high-quality video production, and our team of professionals is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help bring your vision to life..