Delivering a smooth, polished presentation goes beyond just the words—it’s about the delivery. As professionals, we often need to explain something complicated, manage nerves, and keep our audience engaged simultaneously. That’s where a teleprompter for iPhone can make a difference, helping you speak naturally and stay on track. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of iPhone teleprompters, including:
- Two types of teleprompter used for iPhone recording
- Comparison between physical and virtual options
- Ideal situations for their use
- Tips for getting the most out of them
What are the types of teleprompter for iPhone?
There are two main types of teleprompters for iPhone: physical and virtual. Each type has its unique benefits based on your recording needs. Let’s look at them in detail.
Physical teleprompter: Uses a screen and reflective glass for direct camera engagement
A physical teleprompter consists of two key components: a horizontal screen (often a tablet or small digital display) that shows your script, and a piece of transparent glass placed at a 45-degree angle in front of the camera lens to reflect the script for easy reading. While traditionally used in talk show studios and TV news, they are valuable for content creators on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, as they allow you to read while looking directly at the lens, reducing the need for multiple takes and streamlining both recording and editing.
For example, Moman MTRX is a portable teleprompter for iPhone with an RGB ring light. It features 70/30 beam-splitter glass, ensuring clear text prompts. You can adjust and control the script easily through an app or remote, making it a great choice for smooth on-camera presentations.
Virtual teleprompter: A software that scrolls scripts on devices for easier reading
A virtual teleprompter is a software that replicates the traditional teleprompter effect by turning your computer or mobile device into a reading screen. While it’s not quite as seamless as a physical one—since you’re not looking directly into the camera—it still helps you read scripts naturally. For YouTube creators and video podcasters, these apps automatically scroll through your text during recording, letting you focus on engaging with your audience. This way, you spend less time memorizing and more time refining other parts of your performance.
Physical teleprompter VS teleprompter app for iPhone: Similarities and differences explained
Both physical teleprompters and the app can help you maintain eye contact with the camera and present confidently, but each offers unique benefits and limitations. Below, we’ll break down their similarities and key differences to help you find the best fit for your needs.
They both ensure natural speech, precise wording, nonverbal communication, and less memory time
Speak naturally: Both teleprompter for iPhone and App allow you to speak more naturally than when using physical notes since the script is right in front of you, eliminating the need to look down at the paper. As you read from the screen, your head will move from side to side, allowing you to engage evenly with everyone in the room. This way, you can stay focused on your speech while still connecting with your audience.
Accurate wording: They both help you maintain precise wording, unlike reading from notes or trying to remember your lines. You can follow your script without losing your place, which is especially important in situations where accuracy is crucial, such as legal or budget presentations.
Focus on nonverbal communication: Nonverbal cues are just as important as spoken words. Knowing what you’re going to say allows you to concentrate on displaying the right nonverbal signals for a more impactful speech. Plus, without notes, your hands are free to emphasize key points during your presentation.
Save time: Using them means you’ll spend less time memorizing your speech, allowing you to focus on enhancing other aspects of your performance.
Physical iPhone teleprompter is less portable and more costly but offers a better reading experience
The main differences between a physical teleprompter and the app focus on their setup, user experience, portability, and cost.
Setup: A physical one usually includes a stand and a glass reflector, designed to position your iPhone at the perfect angle for both viewing and recording. In contrast, the app operates directly on your iPhone without needing extra hardware, making it quick to set up and usable anywhere.
Reading experience: The reflective glass in the physical one allows you to read the script while keeping eye contact with the camera, resulting in a more natural appearance since the script is right in front of the lens. In comparison, teleprompter apps display text that scrolls on the screen, which can make it harder to maintain eye contact. However, some apps offer features like text mirroring for use with physical setups.
Portability: A physical model is typically bulkier and less portable, depending on its design. In contrast, apps are extremely portable since they only require your iPhone, making them easy to use in various settings.
Cost: Physical models are usually more expensive due to the hardware involved. On the other hand, apps tend to be more budget-friendly, with many free or low-cost options available.
Select a physical device for high-quality recordings that require maintaining eye contact, while choosing an app for its convenience, portability, and easy setup. Your decision should be based on your individual requirements and recording conditions.
When should you go for a teleprompter for iPhone recording?
As previously mentioned, teleprompter for iPhone is primarily used to help presenters stick to their script during video recordings or presentations. When on camera, it’s important to have your hands free for a natural appearance, which means avoiding holding a script or fumbling with note cards. This allows you to communicate confidently and connect with your audience without the distraction of flipping through notes or trying to remember your words.
Teleprompters solve this problem by placing the text directly in front of the camera, so you can maintain eye contact even while reading. You don’t have to follow a full script; you can load your device with bullet points or key phrases, creating a more spontaneous vibe in your videos.
With the rise of YouTube and social media, more individuals are using them outside of traditional studio environments, allowing for a studio-quality look no matter where they are filming, including from home. They are becoming compatible with almost any camera, including built-in webcams.
Additionally, teleprompters have found various unconventional applications, such as:
1. Sales call: They help salespeople stay confident and engaging without sounding robotic, as key points can scroll by during video calls.
2. Important information in videos: These devices keep important details easily accessible for content creators, which is useful for scenarios like cooking shows or science demos that require specific instructions.
3. Presentations/webinars: They ensure presenters can follow their scripts while maintaining eye contact with the audience, even when using a webcam.
4. Lectures/speeches: They allow speakers to maintain intimacy with their audience by making eye contact, particularly during events where accuracy is vital, like graduation ceremonies. Selecting the right type of teleprompter is essential for these situations.
How to use it: Here are some tips to follow
Using a teleprompter for iPhone videos requires a few key techniques and some practice. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a natural and confident delivery:
1. Use longer lenses
- Longer lenses can be beneficial when using a teleprompter. The closer you are to the prompter, the more your eyes have to move to read the text, making it obvious that you’re reading.
- By positioning yourself further from the camera, your eye movement will be less noticeable while reading the same lines.
- A longer lens can help frame you similarly to how you would appear with a wider lens.
2. Practice makes perfect
- Mastering the teleprompter takes practice. The best readers don’t read the lines as they would a book; instead, they maintain eye contact with the lens and read the text peripherally. This technique becomes easier with rehearsals, allowing the prompter to serve as a reminder of your script.
- Incorporating animated body movements, head tilts, and gestures can further reduce the perception that you’re reading.
- If you can, try recording one take while reading, then attempt another take from memory. You can even practice this approach line by line.
