How to use a Teleprompter: A Complete Guide

Trying to hold your audience’s attention while remembering every word you meant to say can feel like juggling in the dark, especially when you’re speaking on camera or delivering a long presentation without the comfort of a printed script in front of you.

Teleprompter software exists to make that experience smoother by letting you keep your eyes on the lens while your words scroll in front of you at a comfortable pace, removing the need to glance down at notes or rely on memory alone, and creating a natural sense of connection that makes the entire delivery feel more confident and composed.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what teleprompters actually do, explore some of the best tools available today, and show you how to use everyday devices to set up a reliable system that supports your speaking style without getting in the way.

What is a Teleprompter?

A teleprompter (or 'Autocue') is a device or software application used in media production to display scripted text for a presenter or speaker to read from while maintaining eye contact with the audience or camera.

It mainly serves as a digital cue card system, allowing the speaker to deliver their speeches, presentations, news broadcasts or other forms of content smoother. What is a teleprompter used for? It helps speakers maintain a natural flow of speech while ensuring accuracy and professionalism in their delivery.

Podcastle: the Best Teleprompter Software Online

Podcastle stands out as a top choice among teleprompter software for its blend of user-friendliness and affordability. It offers a seamless experience, requiring just a few simple steps to get started.

Here is how to use Podcastle’s teleprompter in three simple steps:

1. Start a New Video Recording: Begin by logging into Podcastle and going to the Recording studio or selecting Create > Recording. Choose the Video recording option.
2. Access the Teleprompter Icon: Once your video recording session is initiated, locate the teleprompter feature that is positioned at the bottom right corner of your screen.
3. Paste Your Script and Record: With the teleprompter icon selected, you'll find a space where you can either input your speech notes or paste your pre-written script.

That's all there is to it! With your podcast or video script displayed right in front of you, you can seamlessly record your video content while maintaining natural eye contact. Thanks to Podcastle's intuitive teleprompter feature, your audience won't even realize you're reading from a script.

Aside from the easy-to-use teleprompter feature, Podcastle also offers a set of intuitive and AI-powered features for studio-quality audio and video production, including 4K multitrack video recording, an intuitive video editor, a cinematic blur feature, instant highlighting tools, and a suite of AI-powered enhancements to elevate your content creation process.

If you’re curious to explore other options too, we’ve compiled a list of the best teleprompter software out there, you should certainly consider.

How to Write a Script for a Teleprompter

1) Write the Way You Speak

A teleprompter script shouldn’t sound like a press release or a polished essay. It should feel like something you’d say naturally if the camera wasn’t there. The more your script reflects your real voice, the easier it becomes to stay present and relaxed while reading it. Instead of chasing perfect grammar or impressive vocabulary, try to capture the tone you’d use in a conversation with someone you trust.

2) Let Rhythm Shape Your Sentences

When your words scroll on a screen in front of you, their rhythm becomes part of your delivery. Long, winding sentences can work if they flow naturally, but you need to leave space for breath, pauses, and emphasis. That doesn’t mean chopping your thoughts into tiny soundbites. It means writing with an ear for how each line lands when spoken out loud, so it carries your meaning without weighing you down.

3) Avoid Tripping Over the Page

Formal language and tightly packed ideas might look clean in a document, but on a teleprompter, they can trip you up. Scripts that read well in silence don’t always sound good out loud. As you write, imagine saying each line with your eyes on the lens, not on the page. If a sentence makes you stumble or feels stiff, it probably needs to be rewritten to feel more like something you’d actually say.

4) Read It Out Loud—Then Again

The best way to test your script isn’t to reread it silently. It’s to speak it aloud, casually, without trying to perform. When you hear your own delivery, you’ll notice the places where the pacing feels off or the phrasing feels unnatural. It’s not about memorizing your lines or reciting them perfectly. It’s about making sure the words support your presence instead of distracting from it.

How to Turn Anything into a Teleprompter

Everything can be a teleprompter if you put your mind on it. Here are a couple of ways you can turn your everyday devices and tools into a teleprompter.

How to Use Your Laptop as a Teleprompter

Using your laptop as a teleprompter is a convenient option for many. You can achieve this by opening a simple text editor or teleprompter software on your laptop (like Podcastle!) Copy and paste your script into the text editor or teleprompter software, adjust the font size and scrolling speed to your preference, and place your laptop near your camera, or even use the laptop camera.

With the script displayed on your laptop screen, you can read your lines while maintaining eye contact with your audience or camera. This method offers flexibility and ease of use, making it a popular choice for content creators.

How to Use an iPad as a Teleprompter

The iPad can be used as a teleprompter the same way the laptop can. You just need to find a good teleprompter app to download on the App Store and pretty much follow the same basic steps to get your script displayed on it.

The iPad method offers more convenience and mobility, making it an excellent choice for various content creation scenarios.

How to Use PowerPoint as a Teleprompter

Using PowerPoint as a teleprompter is a straightforward option for those familiar with the software. Simply create a new presentation slide and paste your script into the slide's notes section. Adjust the font size and formatting as needed to ensure readability. Then, set up your presentation in slideshow mode, with the notes section visible to you.

Place your computer screen or projector near your camera, allowing you to read your lines while maintaining eye contact.

How to Use Word as a Teleprompter

Microsoft Word can also be used as a teleprompter with a few simple steps. Open a new document in Word and paste your script into the document. Adjust the font size and formatting to optimize readability. Next, select the View tab and click on the Reading Pane option to display your document in a separate pane beside your main document window.

Position your computer screen or monitor near your camera, enabling you to read your lines while maintaining eye contact with your audience or camera.

Final Thoughts

Teleprompter software offers a valuable solution for speakers and presenters seeking to maintain eye contact while delivering scripted content. Whether utilizing dedicated software like Podcastle or repurposing everyday devices like laptops and iPads, the accessibility and simplicity of teleprompters empower content creators to enhance their presentation results.