By Sean Liu
Key answer: Put your script as close to the camera as you can, make the text large enough to read without scanning, and slow the scroll until you feel slightly ahead of it. Break long sentences into spoken lines. Practice the first 30 seconds once, then record. You do not need to memorize the script. You need the words to sit where your eyes already want to look.
You can do this with paper notes, a second monitor, or a teleprompter. The cleanest setup is a browser or desktop prompt beside the lens. Open FlowPrompter Online, paste your script, and set the speed around 140 words per minute for a first take.
| Setup | Best for | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Paper notes | Short reminders | Looking down too often |
| Second monitor script | Internal calls | Eye line drifts away from the lens |
| Browser teleprompter | Quick recordings | Normal windows can appear in shares |
| FlowPrompter desktop | Screen shares and recordings | Needs desktop setup |
Why people can tell you are reading
Most people do not notice the script. They notice the chase. Your eyes move left to right. Your voice speeds up. You hit commas like they are speed bumps.
Fix the chase first.
Set up the script so your eyes stay calm
- Put the prompt beside or just under the camera.
- Use a narrow text column so your eyes do not travel far.
- Increase font size until you can read one line at a glance.
- Turn down the speed until you can breathe between thoughts.
If you are in a meeting or recording a screen share, use the desktop app's invisible window so the script stays visible to you and hidden from the capture. Compare the free and Plus options on FlowPrompter pricing.
Rewrite the script for speaking
Write like you talk. Short sentences help. So do line breaks.
Bad script: "Today I will be discussing several methods that may help you improve your delivery."
Better script: "Today I will show you the setup I use. It takes five minutes."
Practice the opening only
Do one practice pass for the first 30 seconds. Do not rehearse the whole thing until it feels dead. The opening is where nerves show most, so make that part familiar and let the prompter carry the rest.
FAQ
Should I memorize the script? Usually no. Memorize the idea, then read the words lightly.
What speed should I use? Start around 140 words per minute. Go slower for technical topics.
Where should I put the script? As close to the camera as possible without covering what you need to see.