Preparing the Script for Teleprompter

Help for the Script Writer

Effective

"The Force is You" emphasizes the role that each and every one of you plays in the success of our business.
This is not a new message.

Confusing

This is not a new message. We've always counted on your individual effort, as well as your teamwork, to meet our goals.

Deliver the Script by Disk or E-mail

After your script has been crafted, proofed, and approved, you can facilitate speed and accuracy of the prompting session by delivering the script in advance of the setup date. You may mail, ship, or email the script. A disk version should be 3.5 inch - high density or double density. The file should be in the MS-Dos format. We can accept Macintosh disks with three days advanced delivery. You may also fax your script for overnight keying input (hourly charge). Please be sure files are clearly named.

Prepare your scripts using your favorite word processor. Our software and hardware system of choice is manufactured by TeleScript. The TeleScript software will easily import most PC word processing programs. But it is safest to save your files as (SAVE AS) plain text, also known as Dos Text, MAC simple text, or ASCII text.

Format for Easy Reading and Speaking

Don't worry about margins and line length. Prepare the script by typing normally. Use the RETURN or ENTER key only to set a paragraph, not for end of line. The prompter program will read these word processing files in their native form and maintain paragraph format, but all margins, tabs, and pagination are removed.

Remove the "left side" (such as camera directions) of two column layouts before saving to transfer file. You may leave essential direction for the Speaker, but they should be short so that they will not cause unneccessary pauses in the delivery. Place these instruction between sentences: (pause), (turn to Camera ONE), etc.

By creative use of spaces, we can help the speaker make pauses at appropriate places and emphasize certain words. You can re-space lines, sentences, and paragraphs in a form that will help the speaker grab the meaning and rhythm of the message quickly and with least distraction. For example:

• All sentences and some commas can be followed with one carriage return.
• All paragraphs and some long sentences can be followed with two carriage returns (making one blank line).
• Where there is a significant change of subject, you may place two blank lines but no more.
• Of course, there is the very helpful "..." and "--" to encourage a certain rhythm.

Special Formatting Features in the Prompter Program

• Character Sizes
  The number of characters displayed on each screen line can be changed with one button. The system allows five sizes. The most often used font size for camera mounted and podium screens is 20 characters per line (size 3).
  
  Some speech writers have found it very useful to print out copies of the script for proofing, re-writing, and personal rehearsal. By configuring the word processing print format to deliver 20 characters per line and approximately 14 points high, the Speakers become more comfortable and have better memory of the text.
• Underlines
  The Prompter Program allows for underlines of words. More than a few words underlined will be very confusing to the speaker as you can see here:
Hello, welcome to the show...
(PAUSE FOR SLIDE)
1.
The first item on our agenda is....
• Reverse Type
  After the text has been imported to the Prompter Program, the entire script can be configured with white letters on black background or black letters on white. This can be toggled back and forth with one button click. Also, individual words can be reversed. This feature should be reserved for non-spoken directions rather than emphasis:
• Search and Find Triggers
  The software can be set to find any symbol (a trigger) with just a click of a button. The search feature can also find words and phrases. For example:
• Since your word processor page numbering system does not translate to the prompter format, other methods of navigating long scripts can help make a session go smoothly and efficiently: [SLIDE 5] or [PAGE 25].
• Use consistent names for the speaker(s). Use the LAST NAME every time instead of switching to FIRST NAME. When we need to cue to a certain person's speech, the search function can be used.
• If the script is considerably long - 30 minutes or more - you can also help navigation by using topic headings, slide cues, page numbers, or even arbitrary codes such as [, {, *, #, etc. for triggers.
• Timing Tip
  The program automatically counts the words in the script and estimates the time of delivery. The default timer selects Normal, 180 words per minute. You can use your word processor's "word count" and divide the total by 180 to get a good estimate of the total time. Other selectable speeds are Slow, 156 WPM and Fast, 228 WPM. You might even time your Speaker for a minute or two to get an individual average to use in your late night compulsive editing. :-)

Production Stills