By Tara Bellwood
In the current digital media landscape, the ability to present on television and communicate information effectively to a broader audience is essential for all Journalists. Recently, I had the opportunity to grow these skills in an in-studio workshop, where I practised presenting for television and learnt how to read and operate a teleprompter efficiently.
The teleprompter was invented in 1948 by Fred Barton and Hubert Schlafly to enable presenters to read scripts that are not visible to the audience. “The teleprompter is a device invented to compensate for the limitations of human memory and the resulting contingency of sonic articulation.” (Alexander. Keren, 2021, p, 397). In the current technological age, teleprompters are primarily used in television broadcasting to display scripts for presenters to report news efficiently.
During the in-studio workshop, we learned how to present for television using a teleprompter. Additionally, we were taught the complexities of presenting using a teleprompter, including the importance of synchronising our reading speed with the scrolling text. This workshop taught me that this is essential in ensuring the reporter can read the information and make our reading look natural. Furthermore, I developed an understanding of how to enhance my on-screen presence and better engage with the audience by adjusting my body position, facial expressions, and tone.
One important lesson I learned was the significance of body language and facial expressions. Initially, I struggled to maintain an upbeat facial expression while reading from the teleprompter. Reviewing my recordings, I realised I needed to focus more on the teleprompter and neglected my overall physical expressions. With the guidance of my teacher, I learned how to adjust my body position to appear both relaxed and professional, as body language can communicate symbolic messages about the speaker’s attitude or intention towards the message (Patel, 2014, p.4). Additionally, I consciously tried to change my facial expressions to appear more welcoming and less solemn.
During the in-studio workshop, I learned valuable skills to improve the delivery and tone of my presentation. The workshop accentuated the importance of tone in conveying the intended message and how it can impact audience engagement. During the teleprompter exercises, I noticed my tone was too robotic and stern, which did not invite the audience to engage. From the knowledge gained in this workshop, I now understand how to adjust my tone to match the importance of the topic and keep the audience engaged throughout my presentation.
The experience I gained from the workshop was notable, though I realise this art form demands constant practice. Some observations made within this workshop were; understanding the synchronisation of reading speed and scrolling text on the teleprompter is essential in delivering natural-sounding communication. Engaging with the audience appropriately by demonstrating correct body language, facial expressions, tone and overall delivery. Finally, understanding that this skill is a continuous learning process will require ongoing practice, feedback and self-evaluation.
References:
Alexander, N., & Keren, T. (2021). Paper, glass, algorithm: teleprompters and the invisibility of screens. Journal of Visual Culture, 20(2), 395-417.
Patel, D. S. (2014). Body Language: An Effective Communication Tool. IUP Journal of English Studies, 9 (2).
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