Crafting Effective On-Camera Copy: Writing That Works on a Teleprompter

Writing for the camera isn’t the same as writing for print. On paper, you can pack in detail and complexity. On screen, the script has to sound natural, flow smoothly, and be easy to read from a teleprompter.

After decades of production work, I’ve seen how the right script can make or break a performance. Here are a few things that consistently work:

Keep it Simple and Conversational
Avoid industry jargon or long, complex sentences. Write the way people actually speak. Shorter sentences not only sound more natural, they’re easier for talent to deliver confidently.

Sound conversational? It’s all scripted.

Pay Attention to Pacing
Think about rhythm. Add natural pauses so the speaker can breathe and emphasize points without feeling rushed. If it feels smooth when you read it out loud, it will usually flow well on a teleprompter.

Use Active Voice
Active sentences are clear and direct. For example: “The team launched the project” is sharper than “The project was launched by the team.” Active writing keeps energy up and helps talent stay engaged with the audience.

Emphasize Key Points
Break important ideas into shorter lines or sections. This makes them easier to hit cleanly and ensures your message doesn’t get lost in a wall of text.

Plan for Visuals
If you know where graphics, slides, or b-roll will cover the speaker, build those breaks into the script. It gives the on-camera talent room to adjust their delivery and keeps the pacing consistent.

Strong on-camera copy makes the presenter comfortable, which makes the audience more engaged. Follow these basics and your teleprompter scripts will look—and sound—professional.