What is a teleprompter?
A teleprompter is a display that shows a speaker their script while they face the camera or audience. On camera, the text is reflected onto glass directly in front of the lens, so the speaker can read word for word while appearing to look straight at the viewer.
How a teleprompter works
- A screen (a monitor, tablet or phone) lies below the camera lens, facing up, and shows the script mirrored.
- Beam-splitter glass, a partly mirrored pane angled at about 45 degrees in front of the lens, reflects the text toward the speaker, the right way round.
- The camera films straight through the glass. It sees the speaker, not the text.
- An operator or software scrolls the script at the speaker's pace, by hand, at a fixed speed, or by following the speaker's voice.
Because the words sit right over the lens, the speaker's eyes stay on the camera. That is why news presenters can read a full bulletin and still seem to talk to you.
Types of teleprompter
| Type | Where it's used | How it shows the text |
|---|---|---|
| Camera-mounted | TV studios, YouTube, corporate video | Glass in front of the lens |
| Presidential (conference) | Speeches and stages | Two clear glass panes either side of the lectern; the speaker turns between them |
| Confidence monitor | Stages, events | A separate screen on the floor or at the back of the room (more) |
| Tablet or phone rig | Creators, small productions | A small glass hood over a phone or tablet |
| Software / online | Video calls, webcam recording | A window placed just under the webcam; no glass |
Teleprompter, autocue and confidence monitor
- Teleprompter is the general term, from a 1950s company name.
- Autocue is another brand name used as the everyday word in the UK. It means the same thing.
- Confidence monitor is a separate screen the speaker glances at. It is not in front of the lens, so it doesn't give direct eye contact.
How to use a teleprompter well
The short version is below; the full guide to using a teleprompter covers setup, font, speed and common problems.
- Write for speaking: short sentences, contractions, one idea per paragraph. See our practice scripts.
- Set the pace to you: about 130–150 words per minute is natural. Find yours with the speaking speed test.
- Keep lines short: a narrow column and large text keep your eyes from moving side to side.
- Rehearse once out loud and fix any line you trip over.
- Use voice tracking if you pause or ad-lib; a voice activated teleprompter waits for you instead of running ahead.
Do you need one for video calls?
For webinars, pitches and recorded updates, a software teleprompter is enough. Put the text in a narrow strip directly under your webcam and let it follow your voice. Our free online teleprompter does this in the browser, and the Zoom, Meet and Teams guide shows the setup.
Frequently asked questions
What is a teleprompter?
A device or app that displays a script for a speaker to read. A camera teleprompter reflects the text onto angled glass directly in front of the lens, so the speaker reads while appearing to look straight at the viewer.
How does a teleprompter work?
A screen lies under the lens, facing up, and shows the script mirrored. A sheet of beam-splitter glass at 45 degrees reflects the text toward the speaker, while the camera films straight through the glass, which it barely sees.
Can the audience see the teleprompter?
On camera, no: the lens looks through the glass. On stage, presidential-style teleprompters use glass panes that look clear from the audience side.
What is the difference between a teleprompter and an autocue?
None in practice. Autocue is a brand name that became the everyday word for a teleprompter in the UK and some other countries.
Do I need hardware to use a teleprompter?
No. For video calls and webcam recordings, a teleprompter app or website placed just under your camera works well. Glass rigs give the most precise eye contact for filmed video.