Best Practices for Using a Teleprompter in Video Interviews

Video interviews have become an essential part of modern media — used by bloggers, business leaders, journalists, educators, and even HR professionals. But despite their simplicity, one challenge remains: how to speak confidently, stay on track, and maintain natural eye contact with the audience? The answer is simple — a teleprompter.

Modern technology allows you to use a teleprompter right on your phone. By installing a simple app, your Android or iPhone (iOS) can turn into a powerful tool that makes your delivery clear, natural, and professional.

Using a teleprompter correctly helps you:

• Maintain eye contact with the camera

• Eliminate filler words and awkward pauses

• Look and sound professional even without public speaking experience

• Save time on preparation and recording

In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for using a teleprompter in video interviews and how to make your recordings truly stand out.

How to Choose the Right Teleprompter

There are two main types of teleprompters:

• Physical teleprompter — a device that mounts in front of your camera lens. The text is reflected on glass, allowing you to look directly into the camera.

• Teleprompter app — a more affordable and flexible option that works perfectly on both Android and iOS devices.

Key features to look for:

Preparing Your Interview Script

A good teleprompter experience starts with a well-written script. Here’s how to make it flow naturally:

• Use short, conversational sentences — they’re easier to read and sound authentic

• Write the way you speak — avoid overly formal or complicated language

• Break the text into short paragraphs for better pacing

• Mark pauses with ellipses (…) or dashes — they’ll help you sound natural

• Highlight keywords in bold or CAPS to emphasize important points

Example: Instead of saying, “Our company has launched a new product that might be of interest to many users,” try: “We’ve just launched a new product — it’s simple, convenient, and made for you.”

Setting Up the Teleprompter Before Recording

Even the best script can fall flat without proper setup. Before you start recording, make sure to:

• Position your camera at eye level for a natural line of sight

• Place the text as close to the camera lens as possible

• Ensure good lighting — your face should be bright, and text readable

• Adjust scrolling speed — start slow, then fine-tune as needed

• Record a short test clip — check your eye movement, tone, and pacing

Reading Techniques for a Natural Delivery

To make your delivery confident and engaging, follow these tips:

• Use natural intonation — speak as if you’re telling a story, not reading a script

• Rely on peripheral vision — avoid staring directly at the text

• Add emotion — smiles, gestures, and facial expressions bring life to your words

• Pause strategically — pauses emphasize meaning and improve rhythm

• Record multiple takes — even pros rarely get it perfect the first time

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Beginners often make these typical errors:

• Reading too quickly — your audience needs time to process

• Sounding monotone — vary your tone to keep attention

• Losing eye contact — too much eye movement breaks connection

• Over-rehearsing — remember, the teleprompter is a guide, not a rulebook

• Skipping practice — even a five-minute warm-up can make a big difference

Extra Tips for iOS and Android Users

Conclusion

A teleprompter isn’t just a convenience — it’s a tool that elevates the quality of your video interviews. Whether you’re using Android or iPhone (iOS), it helps you stay organized, confident, and professional.

To make the most of it, remember these key principles:

Follow these best practices, and even a simple interview will look and sound like it was produced by a professional media team.