key term - Teleprompters

Definition

Teleprompters are electronic devices that display scrolling text, allowing speakers to read their lines while maintaining eye contact with the audience or camera. They are widely used in television production, news broadcasting, and live events to enhance delivery and ensure smooth communication. By providing a clear visual cue of the script, teleprompters help minimize errors and improve the overall presentation of information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Teleprompters were originally developed in the 1950s and have become an essential tool in modern broadcasting.
2. They can be operated manually or automatically and can include features like adjustable speed and font size for ease of reading.
3. Teleprompters can be found in various formats, including traditional glass units that reflect the text from below the camera lens and modern tablet-based systems.
4. Using teleprompters helps presenters deliver their lines more naturally by reducing the need to memorize lengthy scripts.
5. The effectiveness of a teleprompter relies heavily on the presenter's ability to engage with the audience while maintaining a smooth reading pace.

Review Questions

• How do teleprompters enhance the effectiveness of communication in television production?
  • Teleprompters enhance communication by allowing presenters to read their scripts while maintaining eye contact with the camera or audience. This capability helps create a more engaging and personable delivery, reducing the chance of errors that could occur from memorization. By keeping presenters focused on their delivery rather than their lines, teleprompters contribute to a smoother flow of information during broadcasts.
• Compare and contrast teleprompters with cue cards in terms of usage and effectiveness in live broadcasting.
  • Teleprompters offer a more streamlined and less distracting option for presenters compared to cue cards. While cue cards require presenters to look away from the camera to read the prompts, teleprompters enable them to maintain direct eye contact with the audience. Additionally, teleprompters provide a continuous flow of text that can be adjusted on-the-fly, whereas cue cards can be cumbersome and less efficient in fast-paced environments.
• Evaluate the impact of technology advancements on the design and functionality of teleprompters in contemporary media production.
  • Advancements in technology have significantly transformed teleprompter design and functionality, making them more versatile and user-friendly. Modern systems often incorporate tablet interfaces and software that allow for seamless integration with other production tools. These innovations enable greater customization options for presenters, such as adjusting font size and scrolling speed. As a result, the reliance on teleprompters has grown in contemporary media production, enhancing the quality of broadcasts by supporting effective communication and performance.

Related terms

script: A written document that outlines the dialogue, actions, and stage directions for a television show, movie, or broadcast.

cue card: A card used to prompt speakers with key phrases or cues during a broadcast or performance, often used when teleprompters are not available.

production team: A group of professionals involved in the planning, filming, and editing of a television program, including directors, producers, and technical staff.