AirPrompt guide
What is a teleprompter, and how does it work?
A teleprompter displays a script that a speaker can read while looking near a camera lens or toward an audience. The words usually scroll as the speaker talks. The name can refer to the complete screen-and-glass rig or to the application that displays the text.
How does a teleprompter work?
Someone loads a script into prompting software, sets its size and scrolling speed, and positions the display where the speaker can read it. An operator or the speaker controls playback. With AirPrompt, that control happens in a separate browser tab or device, and viewer screens receive the same text.
In a camera-mounted glass rig, a screen sits below angled, partially reflective glass. The speaker sees the reflected words while the camera records through the glass. The software usually mirrors the text horizontally so the reflection reads correctly. Always test the reflection before the take.
App, glass rig, or confidence monitor?
- Browser teleprompter
- Software that displays and scrolls text in a browser. It can be read directly from a screen or used with compatible glass hardware.
- Glass teleprompter
- A physical rig that places the reflected script near the camera lens. The screen, mount, and glass are separate from the prompting software.
- Confidence monitor
- A display placed where a presenter can see notes or a script. It is read directly, so mirrored text is usually unnecessary.
How to read without sounding like you are reading
Write sentences you would actually say. Break long passages into short paragraphs and mark pauses with line breaks. Rehearse a paragraph out loud before choosing a speed; reading silently is not a useful pacing test.
Make the text large enough to read at your actual camera distance. Keep the display close to the lens and avoid very wide lines. If you fall behind, pause rather than rushing to catch up. An operator can change the pace while you focus on the delivery.
Try a two-screen setup
Open AirPrompt on a laptop, create a room, and paste a short script. Open the viewer link on a phone or tablet beside the camera. Use play, pause, speed, and text-size controls on the laptop. Read the viewer directly with mirror mode off, or test horizontal mirroring if you have glass hardware.
AirPrompt does not include the physical rig or a camera recorder. It is the browser-based script display and remote controller. See the complete setup guide or learn about remote control and multiple viewers.