The auto cue, or what you may know as a teleprompter is a tool used every day by professional presenters, news anchors, and content creators. If you’ve got a lot to say and want to make sure you get it exactly right or find that the words just dry up when you hit record on the camera, then an auto cue can help you stay on track. Heck I’m using one right now! But is it always the right choice? Let’s look at the Pros and cons of using a teleprompter and see if it’s teleprompt yeah or teleprompt nahh….. who writes this stuff?
What is an Autocue (Teleprompter)?
An autocue is a simple yet wonderfully brilliant piece of equipment that allows you to keep eye contact with your audience whilst being able to read a pre prepared script.
How does it work?.. well there’s some clever light sciencey stuff that goes on to effectively displays your script over the front of your camera lens allowing you to look directly at the lens while reading your lines and maintain eye contact with your viewer.
Sounds pretty cool, right? It lets you deliver a polished, scripted performance without needing to memorise everything or look down at notes. But, like any tool, there are pros and cons to consider.
Pros of Using an Autocue / Teleprompter
1. Helps with Memory:
One of the biggest advantages is that you don’t have to memorize your entire script. If you’re working on a tight deadline or preparing a complex message, the teleprompter allows you to focus on delivery instead of worrying about forgetting lines or saying the wrong thing. The autocue is here to save you the stress of brain freeze when filming your videos
2. Maintains Eye Contact:
The teleprompter helps you maintain direct eye contact with the camera, which is key for building a connection with your audience. It’s way less awkward than reading from a sheet of paper or having to glance down at your notes.
3. Consistency:
It ensures that your delivery is consistent throughout the video. Whether you’re presenting a corporate video, a speech, or a commercial, the teleprompter lets you stay on message and avoids stumbling over words or losing your place.
4. Efficiency:
It saves time. No need to spend hours rehearsing, especially for longer scripts. You can get your message across quickly while keeping your energy up.
5. Polished Delivery:
Finally, a teleprompter allows you to deliver a smooth, professional performance. The audience probably wont even realize you’re reading because you look natural and confident on camera.
Cons of Using an Autocue / Teleprompter
1. Can Look Robotic:
If you don’t practice, reading from the teleprompter can come across as stiff or robotic.
It can be hard to sound natural if you’re just staring at the screen without engaging with the content. You need to vary your tone and show emotion for it to feel real. how you carry yourself in front of the camera will affect how you come across to your viewers
2. Requires Practice:
Using a teleprompter effectively takes practice. You need to read at the right pace, match your speech rhythm with the scrolling text, and not get distracted by the script itself.
3. Over-Reliance:
One of the risks of using an auto cue is that you might become too dependent on it. This can be an issue if you want to create spontaneous more off the cuff personal videos that really show off your personality and passion for your subject matter. You may even feel intimidated with going on a podcast with the safety net of a script and that could be really limiting for your potential outreach
4. Cost and Setup:
Teleprompters can be an added expense to your video set up bill. If you’re on a tight budget, it might be a cost too far. They can also require a bit of space to set them up correctly so if you don’t have vast studio space they might not work for your setup
5. Can Feel Inauthentic:
and finally If you’re looking for a more spontaneous or conversational style, an auto cue may make your delivery feel less authentic. There’s no room for improvisation or adapting on the fly when you’re strictly reading from a script.
Ultimately it will depend on the final video
So, is using an autocue right for you? Well It depends on your needs. If you’re delivering a scripted message or something where precision and content is key, a teleprompter can be incredibly useful. But if you’re going for a more casual, authentic vibe, or if you prefer improvising, it might not be the best fit.
If you’re thinking of using autocue in your next video checkout my guide on on to read from an autocue effectively. It’s got useful, practical tips on how to come across naturally and not sound wooden.
Find out more about the author John here or check out how you can create professional video there.