A young man smiles as he looks at a phone attached to a tabletop tripod. There’s a laptop and a microphone on the desk.

Tips for Using a Teleprompter for Live Streaming

Using a teleprompter transforms live streaming because it helps people make smooth, professional, and attention-grabbing speeches. Speaking directly to viewers with confidence and effortlessly hitting every key point are your priorities. Imagine achieving your goals all without needing to glance away or search for the right words!

Nevertheless, there’s a catch—teleprompters require a bit of finesse to maximize their potential. Without the right approach, you might stumble, sound robotic, or struggle to connect with your audience.

Whether you’re already live streaming regularly or just testing the waters, learning how to master this tool can elevate your on-camera presence in ways you never expected. These handy tips and a little practice will make using a teleprompter for live streaming feel like second nature.

Get Comfortable With the Script

Reading straight from the screen without practice can make you sound stiff or monotone. Familiarize yourself with the content beforehand so that you understand the flow, content, and timing of your words. This helps you speak naturally instead of repeating the text.

Try reading aloud to get a feel for your tone and pacing, and note any difficult phrases or areas you might want to tweak for smoother delivery. Treat the teleprompter as a guide rather than a crutch. Keep your focus on delivering the message with personality. Practice will allow your speech to feel more conversational and less scripted.

Adjust the Teleprompter Speed

Rushing to keep up with fast-moving text can make your delivery feel frantic, while slow scrolling can leave you hesitating and searching for words. Set the speed at a pace that matches your natural speaking style. You want enough time to articulate your points clearly without sounding rushed.

Test-run your teleprompter before going live, and tweak the speed if needed. Buy a teleprompter that features manual speed adjustments mid-stream for additional convenience. Don’t forget to enlist a helper or keep controls nearby for quick fixes during the broadcast.

A woman holds a small vase and looks at a phone on a tripod. There are more vases arranged on shelves in the background.

Maintain Eye Contact With the Camera

Looking at the camera while using a teleprompter is key to connecting with your audience. Shifting your gaze or darting your eyes can distract viewers and break that sense of connection. Position the teleprompter screen so it aligns directly with your camera lens. This setup makes it appear as though you’re speaking directly to the audience.

Practice reading the text while maintaining a steady gaze and avoid letting your eyes linger on one spot for too long. Smiling occasionally and adding subtle facial expressions while reading can boost your warmth and relatability. The goal is to make your viewers feel like you’re speaking to them personally, not just reading off a screen.

Use Short Sentences for Improved Flow

Long, complex sentences can trip up even the most experienced public speakers. When preparing the script, break sentences into concise, easy-to-read sentences. This makes it simple to follow the teleprompter text without stumbling.

Short sentences also improve your pacing and delivery. Avoid jargon, overly technical phrases, or wordy explanations that might slow down your rhythm. Clear and concise language resonates better with audiences because they can effortlessly grasp the information. If a script feels clunky or awkward, rearrange the wording and shorten sentences until it flows smoothly.

Make Time for Practicing

Reading from a teleprompter is a skill that improves with repetition. Schedule practice sessions ahead of the live stream, so you feel more comfortable with the equipment and the script.

Start each session by warming up your voice and studying your tone and pacing. Practice sections of your script that require extra emphasis or emotion to make them shine.

Record yourself during practice runs to spot areas for improvement, like moments when your eyes wander or your voice feels flat. Frequent practice not only improves your timing but also builds your confidence, translating into a strong connection with the audience.

Customize Text Formatting To Fit Your Style

Experiment with font size, line spacing, and colors to find what feels most comfortable for your eyes. Larger text with adequate spacing can help you track lines easily and avoid mistakes or delays. Highlighting certain words or sections can serve as reminders to add emphasis or pause.

Avoid cramming too much onto the screen at once—it’s better to have clean, easy-to-follow text than to overwhelm the screen with clutter. Small adjustments to the teleprompter display can dramatically enhance your ability to read the script naturally and stay focused.

A woman waves at her computer screen while smiling. She has a smartphone on a tripod, a ring light, and a microphone.

Match Your Tone to the Message

Speaking with energy and personality sets the tone for your live stream. Avoid reading the teleprompter in a flat or robotic voice, as this disconnects you from your viewers. Think about the message you’re delivering and how you want your audience to feel.

For example, upbeat content might call for a lively tone, while serious topics might require a more thoughtful delivery. Add pauses, vary your pitch, and emphasize important words to add depth to the message. Practicing this balance helps the teleprompter feel invisible, making your delivery more dynamic and engaging for your audience.

Stay Flexible and Roll With the Mistakes

Mistakes happen during live streams. Becoming flustered over stumbling on a word or forgetting a line can disrupt your rhythm and confidence. When something goes wrong, stay calm and continue as if nothing happened. The teleprompter is available to keep you on track but staying relaxed and adaptable is more important.

If you lose your place on the screen, pause for a moment, regroup, and pick back up where you left off. Your audience will appreciate authenticity over perfection, so don’t be afraid to veer slightly off-script if it feels natural. A little flexibility can go a long way in keeping your stream smooth and engaging.

Transform Your Live Streams Today

Find your rhythm and build a stronger connection with your audience by investing in a good teleprompter. Every live stream is an opportunity to refine your skills and make your content shine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these tips and discover what works best for your style. The more you use the teleprompter, the more natural it’ll feel, becoming an extension of your voice rather than a tool you’re relying on.

Remember that live streaming is as much about authenticity as it is about polish. Your audience tunes in because they value you—your perspective, your energy, and your unique way of delivering your message. The world is ready to hear what you have to say!