When and Why Should I Use a Teleprompter For My First Course?

Blogging Betty Boomer
Blogging Betty Boomer Posts: 28 traveler rank
in Audio and video solutions

I know that the use of a teleprompter could be invaluable but I hesitate to try to learn how to use one before I launch my first class.I am sure there is a Udemy class I can soak up before I launch but just wondering if everyone uses that technology. Thanks

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  • MarkLassoff
    MarkLassoff Posts: 320 visionary rank

    Hi @Blogging Betty Boomer

    We use a prompter in some instances and not in others. Generally, for introductions, wrap-ups, and other structural videos, we script and read off a prompter. We also sometimes use it for instructional videos where we want to get a single learning objective across in a tight timeline.

    When we're in "teaching mode", demonstrating software, code, or technology, we purposefully don't use a prompter. We'd like the viewer to feel like the instructor is sitting right next to them, explaining what to do step-by-step. Remember that video learning is missing the "intimacy" of the student-teacher relationship. Bad prompter can dehumanize the interaction even more, so be judicious in your usage.

    Here's an example of a video we did with a prompter:

    And here's a video we did without a prompter. (Notice the difference in approach)

    The challenge is not in learning to use the prompter software-- It doesn't take anyone on our team more than 10 minutes to use our iPad-based software. The challenge is in learning to read off the prompter and seem natural!

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