How To Use A Laptop With A Teleprompter
Save money with this method
Teleprompters have been around for a very long time. Since about 1940, to be exact. To this day, Teleprompters are used at News Stations, concerts, and live speeches. Not to mention that Presidents use them and so much more.
A teleprompter is known as an autocue. A mirror prompts the speaker with a script or a speech. Before teleprompters were a thing, speakers would use cue cards. This required constantly looking down, which isn’t a good look on anyone. Using a teleprompter allows the reader to keep eye contact with the audience. This is great with a camera or a live audience. We use Teleprompters for our video making!
A teleprompter consists of many parts. The main parts being the mirror, monitor, and camera. The mirror is what makes the words reflect, making them easier to read.
The magic happens in the mirror. This is a teleprompter mirror, which is also known as a beamsplitter mirror. This has a transparent mirror coating. So that it reflects while transmitting light at the same time. Below the mirror is your display. This can be an iPad or a laptop, either works just as well. The script or speech is normally white text with a black background.
The mirror is then placed at a 45% angle with the display below. The text is then reflected up onto the glass for the speaker to read.
Though, the text that is being reflected onto the glass is backward. This is where teleprompter software comes in handy. The software then flips your text so you can read it correctly on the glass.
When the script is up on the screen, it shines towards the glass. Since the teleprompter mirror is reflective, the light is reflected off of the mirror. Then the text is right in front of your eyes for you to read.
Why use a teleprompter?
A teleprompter helps you remember your lines. As well as all the important information in your speech. It allows you to plan out exactly what you want to say before going live. Teleprompters also prevent painful mistakes that slow you down. These mistakes tend to distract you from your message.
How to use a laptop with your Teleprompter
Most teleprompters you see, use an iPad or a Laptop. We have all seen the teleprompters with the big boxes below the glass. The laptop makes it easier to edit your lines. The screen is larger so you can see what you are saying a little better than using an iPad.
To use a laptop, you will need a laptop tray. You can purchase these practically anywhere, but I go to Amazon.
Using a laptop with a teleprompter is super easy to achieve. You will need to place your glass at a 45% angle. Then place your laptop on your tray and point it towards the glass. You may want to stand in your place to find the best angle to see the script perfectly.
The Teleprompter I have and love is from our Teleprompter Mirror. I spent a long time trying to find the best one, and we have the best quality.
You may be wondering why I chose our exact system. Allow me to explain:
The Features:
Heavy-duty stand and clip prevents tipping
Instant assembly and disassembly
14" x 14" Optical Grade Beamsplitter Mirror
Custom size glass available
Works great with large display 26+
The removable tray fits 10" to 24" tablets, laptops, and monitors
Free teleprompter software included
Adjustable Height up to 8 ft.
Adjustable glass angle
Guaranteed Quality
In stock, immediate shipping
Expert customer support
What I like most about the Presidential Teleprompter is it only takes about two or two to place everything together. This is great if you’re in a rush!
DIY Presidential Teleprompter:
(Links to Amazon)
- 16"x16" Beamsplitter Mirror with Rounded Corners
- Heavy Duty Light Stand
- Neewer 15 Pieces 1/4" 3/8" Metal Threaded Screw Converter Adapter
- Nikon 7070 Binocular Window Mount
- Laptop Tray (On-Stage MSA5000)
- Tray Attachment (On-Stage MSA9508)
- Tray Adapter (On-Stage Music Accessory (MM01))
- Table for Larger Screens (PylePro PLPTS2)
- Phone Clamp (That Rotates)
Free Teleprompter Software
My go-to software is this free teleprompter software. Not only is it free, but it’s simply a browser. You just open it up in your browser and launch it. This is compatible with Mac, iPad, Windows, Android, Linus, and Chrome. What I like the best about it is that you don’t have to download anything!
The features are amazing too! You can change:
- Font Color
- Font Size
- The Margin
- The background-color
- Instructions
- Mirror Flip the text
- Vertical Flip
- Open file straight from the browser
- And save your scripts!
This is just as good, even better, than some of the software I have paid for.
