Problem # 1 - The Ping Pong Presentation
A public speaker’s back-and-forth motion from one prompter glass to another, creating excessive side profile views for the audience.
The presidential speech prompter has been a staple for many presenters. But these displays have severe limitations. Because of where these prompters are placed, presenters usually end up addressing those at the sides of the room, more than those in the middle.
Problem # 2 - Chronic Floor-Sightedness
A presenter’s habitual use of floor monitors in a manner that creates the appearance of staring at the audience’s shoes.
Presenters often come across as more approachable when they’re not behind a podium. So a popular alternative has been to use floor monitors, instead of presidentials to display their prompter script.
But this leads to presenters looking awkward and unnatural, because their eye line is often directed to the floor and not to the audience.
Problem # 3 - Speaker Separation Anxiety
Feelings of uneasiness experienced by both presenters and their audience; specifically, a sense of physical and emotional distance & separation caused by an over-reliance on the lectern AND presidential speech prompters. [SEE “Unapproachable Executive]
Most presenters want to make a true connection with their audience. Unfortunately, the comfort zone of the lectern and presidential teleprompters often creates a wall of separation and a sense of detachment.
Problem # 4 - Inferior Sunscreen
Teleprompter monitors and screens that are often inadequate for outdoor use, appearing washed out and difficult to read, especially in bright sunlight.
Standard teleprompters tend to wilt in bright sunlight. Faded text, glare on the glass, and squinting eyes are all results of the typical inadequate sunscreen. The only quick fix is to use darkened glass. But that’s assuming your presenter doesn’t mind being eclipsed by a set of dark presidential paddles.
Problem # 5 - Public Display of Scriptation
- Public- Open to all
- Display- A visual communication of information
- Scriptation- Our made up word meaning prompter script
- Public Display of Scriptation- Visual communication of the prompter script to those in the audience.
In public speaking, nothing is more embarrassing than the audience reading along as you deliver prepared remarks. This is typical with standard projection screen teleprompters, monitor on stands, and even floor monitors. Whether you’re announcing a new product, presenting an award, or telling a joke, the audience should never beat you to the punch – or to the punch line.
Problem # 6 - Shooting the Message
Inadvertently getting the teleprompter speech in the camera shoot.
Camera operators usually have to react quickly to get their shot. So they shouldn’t have to worry about “framing out” the prompter speech so that the audience doesn’t see the text on the main screens. Regular teleprompter displays inevitably lead to shooting the message, instead of the messenger
Problem # 7 - The Pigeon Dance Interview
An interview characterized by the awkward use of teleprompter monitors, often resulting in the unmistakable head bob.
“Talk show” segments have long been a popular format for corporate meetings. Strategically placed displays have sometimes been an effective way to prompt both the interviewer and the interviewee.
But the challenge has always been to keep the audience from noticing. Gorilla tactics to hide monitors behind furniture or among plants haven’t always worked as intended. And because standard teleprompter displays are usually small, it’s easy for the host or guest to accidentally block the other person’s text.
Problem # 8 - Glaring Gobo Glass
- Glaring- Shining or reflecting intensely; conspicuous; obvious.
- Gobo- A device placed in front of a light to create patterns.
- Glaring Gobo Glass- Prompter glass that creates undesirable reflections and shadows.
AV technicians can get fairly creative with their use of stage lighting and gobos. But one area where they don’t want patterns is around presenters themselves. Reflections on the presidentials, and shadows on the president, are not a pretty sight.
Problem # 9 - Riser Clutter – Stage Obstruction
A platform or stage marked by physical disorder, mess, and obstacles; not conducive to Feng Shui.
Obstacles of any kind create a sense of disarray, often seen and easily felt by audience members. Regular presidentials and on-stage prompter monitors don’t help produce the serene environment needed for a successful speech – not to mention a safe stage for performers.
In an effort to maintain the delicate balance between presenters and their audience, young grasshoppers need to remember the ancient wisdom of our stage ancestors: less is more.
Problem # 10 - Battle for the Paddle
Paddle- Industry term referring to prompter glass
A struggle between two or more people at a lectern to position themselves for optimal viewing of the teleprompter.
Watching two presenters diplomatically fight over the teleprompters is as uncomfortable for the audience as it is for the dueling hosts. Not having a sufficient number or correct type of prompters, leads to the undignified jockeying for the elusive, perfect viewing position.