Reading from a prompter without looking like it
- Put the prompter as close to the lens as possible. The further away the text, the more your eyes visibly track left and right.
- Keep lines short: a narrow column with large text means less eye movement.
- Mark breaths and emphasis in the script itself, for example with a line break before a key fact.
- Let the operator (or you, with the arrow keys) follow your pace rather than chasing the text.
Planning the whole show? Our virtual news set guide covers the studio, and the glossary explains terms like IFB and rundown.
FAQ
How fast should I read?
News presenters often read at roughly 150 words per minute, but the right pace is the one that sounds natural for you. Use the words-per-minute field to estimate how long your script will run.
What does mirror mode do?
It flips the text horizontally. Use it with a beam-splitter glass prompter, where the screen is reflected in glass in front of the lens.
Is my script saved?
Only in your own browser (local storage), so it is still there next time on the same device. It is never sent to us.
Which keys control it?
Space starts and pauses, arrow up and down change speed, Home jumps back to the top. You can also scroll with the mouse wheel over the text.