Teleprompting – A Speaker’s Dream Come True

When my new husband told me he was going to be teleprompting I was clueless as to what he was talking about. He explained that it was like cue cards but on a computer screen and used extensively not just by the media, but also by corporations for presentations and for video taping commercials. Okay, that sounds interesting but how does it work?

After the speech is written, it is input to a computer that will allow it to be displayed in front of the speaker without the audience being aware of its existence. I remembered from my past speaking encounters where I had to memorize everything that I wanted to say and the order that it would go in for a complete uniformity. It usually meant a tremendous amount of practicing the evening before or taking a stack of 3×5 index cards with me for the presentation. Teleprompting has simplified this process for the speaker. They no longer need to memorize a speech; they only need to be able to read from a screen in front of them. Image the hours of practice, not to mention the stress this removes from the speaker.

I was interested in how this came about. The first teleprompters were created in the 1950s by Fred Barton Jr., Hubert J. Schlafly and Irving Kahn. At the time Fred Barton was an actor and suggested the teleprompter as a way of assisting the performers who had too many lines to memorize in a small amount of time. The script was printed on a paper scroll and advanced as the performer read.

In 1982, the first computer based teleprompting system was developed and ran on an ATARI 800 personal computer with very specialized teleprompting software to work with the camera hardware which was also modified. Today’s teleprompter still runs on a personal computer and is connected to video monitors on one or more cameras. This monitor is placed directly in front of the camera so it gives the impression of the speaker talking directly to the camera instead of reading a script. The displays used vary drastically depending on the type of presentation. One which I’m sure you’ve seen used and not even noticed, is the presidential glass. It is mostly transparent so that it will not block the view of the speaker by the audience or cameras. Even singers such as Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, and Elton John have used teleprompter hardware on stage.

Okay, enough about the history and hardware of teleprompting. I am now being made aware of the fact that there is an “art” also being employed here. Let me explain. The basic idea is of a script being up on screen and the speaker reading from it. Too many times this will sound like it is being read. This is not usually the impression that they want to convey. A “seasoned” teleprompting operator knows how to get in touch with the speaker and craft the speech to their speaking style. During rehearsal, the teleprompting operator is listening intently for voice inflection to make sure that the speaker is comfortable with the flow. Sometimes it means changing a word or two or rewording a sentence to ensure a natural delivery. A professional teleprompting operator knows how to get these results and understands that there’s more to prompting than typing in a script and turning a knob. For the speaker, finding a good teleprompting operator can be a real salvation.

What Causes Public Speaking Phobias?

Having a fear of Public speaking is a completely normal, and in a phobia that many people have to deal with in their life at some point. For many just the thought of standing up and speaking in-front of a large group of people is enough to send shivers down their spine. But for others perhaps a past incident of public speaking that didn’t go quite to plan is now the root cause of their issues. This previous occurrence may now be playing in the speakers mind, causing them to doubt their abilities. These thoughts can be very detrimental, as once this has happened it is very difficult to shake. The main thing you can do is learn from your mistakes and think positively. Instead of playing over past errors, focus on what is going to go right and how good your speech will be.

For others the whole idea of public speaking is scary, it may be their fist time to give a talk and they are fearing the unknown so to speak. In this instance the best advice is to learn your speech, not word for word as under pressure a single word may slip your mind and you could be thrown off the whole speech, but simply getting a feel for the piece topic for topic. A good hint is to write areas of the speech onto little post its notes or revision cards. By being fully prepared it will give you more confidence and allow you to focus on delivery rather then ‘remembering’ all your words.

Nerves are an issue for many people. When getting up in front of a large group of people, the ‘fight or flight’ response is often triggered. Causing an increase in heart rate, sweaty palms, and often nervous shaking or twitching. This is due to a sudden release of adrenaline in the body. But it can be contained, when many people start feeling this way they panic which only speeds up the unpleasant symptoms you are already feeling. You can take steps to eliminate this, including controlling your breathing. Remember to inhale slowly and deeply. And by converting this extra adrenaline into energy you can add extra ‘oomph’ to your speech, rather then letting it take over your body.

9 Tips To Keep Your Audience In Attention

In almost all gatherings (conventions, alumni homecomings, commencement exercises, fund raising or awarding ceremonies), guest speakers are usually invited to highlight the occasion.

To make the gathering memorable, guest speakers are selected for a certain reason, some according to their popularity and accomplishments.

As much as possible, the speaker’s profession or line of achievement must be in some way related to the occasion.

Let’s say the occasion is a convention of home developers. The likely guest speaker to grace it could be a famous housing czar well known and respected by the city and state.

To impart a lasting impression to the audience, a speaker must find ways to keep the attention glued to his speech.

If it so happens that you are the invited guest speaker of a gathering, the suggestions below may help to keep your audience listening instead of walking around or doing something else.

1. Speak in a clear, crisp, comprehensible voice with an enthusiastic tone. Avoid mumbling. Try not to eat the words as if there’s a gum in your mouth.

2. Your speech should be in consonance with the aim of the gathering, touching on issues relevant to its objective and applicable to current needs for the benefit of the majority.

3. More speakers prepare a list of the issues they want to touch on instead of a speech prepared and read (or memorized) word for word. A spontaneous speech aligned on the ideas prepared or written on the list is projected more naturally.

4. Inject humor into your speech to keep the audience attentive and waiting for more. Studies reveal that, when humor is involved, audiences find the speaker interesting to listen to. But be aware not to go beyond the line of humor because this may unintentionally embarrass others or be misunderstood by them. This might raise comments that criticize your speech. Try your best to avoid criticism.

5. When you raise an issue, one of the best ways to project it is by citing instances or examples. Correlate the example and the issue clearly.

6. Suppose the gathering was organized to save an industry or boost the morale of those that will be directly and indirectly affected by it. Try your best to deliver an inspiring speech. A speech filled with positive thoughts, like projecting a bright tomorrow, can turn a depressive mood into an enthusiastic one. If you are well versed on the industry with a solution to offer to suppress its downtrend, then say it.

7. Audience participation may seem to turn your speech into a discussion, but it is one way to confirm effectiveness of what you are saying or offering.

8. Image how the industry will look like 5 or 10 years from now on a positive flight. Be specific and realistic in your projection. If hard work is called for, say so.

9. Leave a lasting, meaningful message as you wrap up your speech.

A speech that leaves the audience thinking long after the speech has been made will also leave the audience remembering the speaker for a long time.