Writing for the Teleprompter

Access Framingham Teleprompter

Whether you are preparing an intro for a show you want to host, a public service announcement for an event or nonprofit organization you want to promote, or a promo for an upcoming program on AFTV, there are some key things to keep in mind as you prepare a script to load into the Teleprompter.  Here are just a few:

  • Write for the ear, not the eye! Your sentences should be written in a conversational style
  • Keep your sentences and phrases short enough so you can breathe!
  • Periods and commas are difficult to see on the prompter, so…
  • Start each sentence as a new paragraph
  • Use ellipses instead of commas.  The ‘…’ gives a much clearer indication of a pause… and a chance to breathe… than the ‘,’
  • Include phonetic spelling for difficult to pronounce words and names. The phonetics should be inside parentheses immediately following the word or name whose pronunciation is unclear.
  • Don’t use abbreviations; write our the full word: “Representative,” not “Rep.” and “Street,” not “St.”
  • Read your copy aloud after you’ve written it, and make sure it sounds comfortable and conversational. Get familiar with the script before you go into the studio.
  • Speak to the camera like it is one person that you know and like.
  • And call us for any other scripting tips and assistance.  We look forward to working with you!