How to Use a Teleprompter
It's way easier than you think. Here's a dead-simple guide to reading from a teleprompter like a pro — even if you've never used one before.
A teleprompter shows your script on screen so you can read it while looking directly at the camera. News anchors use them. YouTubers use them. Pastors, educators, sales teams — anyone who speaks on camera and wants to sound prepared without memorizing every word.
The old way involved expensive hardware, mirrors, and a lot of setup. Today, you can just open an app on your Mac and start reading. Here's exactly how.
Write your script like you talk
This is the most important step. Don't write an essay — write the way you actually speak. Short sentences. Simple words. If you wouldn't say “utilize” out loud, write “use” instead.
A good teleprompter script reads like a conversation, not a Wikipedia article. Here are some quick rules:
Open the teleprompter and paste your script
If you're on a Mac, open Telepront from the menu bar. You'll see a simple text area — just paste your script in. That's it. No accounts, no setup wizards, no configuration screens.
You can also adjust the font size to match your distance from the screen. Sitting close? Keep it default. Recording from a few feet away? Bump it up so you can read comfortably.
Position the window near your camera
This is the secret to natural eye contact. Drag the teleprompter panel so it sits right below (or next to) your webcam lens. The closer the text is to the camera, the more it looks like you're speaking directly to your audience.
With Telepront, the floating panel stays on top of every app — Zoom, FaceTime, OBS, QuickTime, whatever you're recording with. You don't need to switch windows or alt-tab.
Pro tip: On a MacBook, your webcam is at the very top of the screen. Place the teleprompter just below the notch area for the most natural eye line.
Hit Start and speak naturally
Press Start and just talk. If your app supports voice tracking (like Telepront does), the text will scroll automatically as you speak. Speed up and it speeds up. Pause and it pauses. Skip a sentence and it catches up.
If you're using a basic teleprompter without voice tracking, you'll need to set a fixed scroll speed. Start slow — it's better to wait for text than to chase it.
The key here is to not read word-for-word. Glance at the text to remember your next point, then look at the camera and say it in your own words. This makes your delivery feel natural instead of robotic.
Review and re-record if needed
Watch your recording back. The first take is rarely perfect — and that's fine. Most creators do 2–3 takes on each section. With a teleprompter, re-recording is fast because you don't need to re-memorize anything. Just press Start again.
Look for these things in your playback:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Reading every single word
Use the script as a guide, not a crutch. Glance, then speak naturally.
Script sounds like a term paper
Write for your voice, not your eyes. Short sentences, contractions, casual language.
Teleprompter too far from camera
Viewers can see your eyes moving. Keep the text as close to the lens as possible.
Font too small
If you're squinting, increase the font size. You should be able to read comfortably without leaning in.
No practice run
Always do one read-through before recording. Catch awkward phrases early.
TL;DR
- 1.Write your script the way you talk — short, simple, natural.
- 2.Paste it into a teleprompter app.
- 3.Position the window near your camera lens.
- 4.Start speaking — let voice tracking handle the scrolling.
- 5.Watch it back, tweak, re-record. Done.
Ready to try it yourself?
Telepront is a native Mac teleprompter with AI voice tracking. Paste your script, hit Start, and speak.
Download on Mac App Store