About prompters
A prompter, sometimes called an autocue, is a valuable tool that shows you your script as you deliver it by using a two-way mirror. A skilled prompter operator scrolls the script at the pace of the prompter reader, allowing the reader to slow down and speed up naturally. Reading from a prompter allows a speaker to maintain eye contact with an audience without notes. Since eye contact is key to compelling communication, and since memorization is time-consuming and often unreliable, many people find that a prompter makes them look good, helps them to reduce stress, and, ultimately, saves their company time and money. Television and event producers trust prompters to make everything run more effectively and efficiently.
Speaking to a crowd
For events with a live audience, an executive speech prompting system or a floor prompter is a great way to connect with the audience, stay on message, and deliver a memorable speech. If the speaker is stationary--normally at a lectern--an executive speech prompter (also known as a presidential prompter) lets the speaker read text from lightly mirrored plates of glass that are mounted on poles near each corner of the lectern. With this system, a speaker looks directly into the audience but sees their speech on the glass plates, and the audience's view remains unobstructed.
During live events, we operate two independent computers. If something happens to one, we can switch to the other. We rarely need our backup, but we're prepared for any eventuality. However, we always recommend that the speaker bring a printed copy of the speech to the event for additional safety.
Our operator can explain all the details of using a prompter before the event. Be sure to schedule a rehearsal/run-through time so the speaker has adequate time to practice using the prompter.
View our FAQs page for useful public-speaking tips.
Speaking to a camera
When speaking directly to a camera, a camera-mounted teleprompter system (sometimes call an "on-camera prompter") is used when the camera needs to move. The prompter mounts to the tripod head, allowing dolly shots, truck shots, arcs, pedestals, jib work, plus sweeping pans and tilts. The talent can read the script while enjoying direct eye contact with the camera lens no matter where the camera goes.
A freestanding (roll-away) teleprompter is mounted to its own tripod. It lets the speaker address the camera directly and lets the camera zoom, tilt, and pan somewhat. It works with all cameras, sits on its own tripod, and offers a quick setup and move time.
We also offer Interrotron setups for interviews using multiple cameras.
See our Equipment page for more information regarding our prompter setups, including our dialogue prompters, used for actor-to-actor line delivery.