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Why Kerry Barrett's Advice is Gold for Video Creators
The secrets shared in this post come from a BIGVU Masterclass led by renowned media coach and speaker Kerry Barrett. As an Emmy Award-winning former news anchor, Kerry mastered the art of delivering a script with flawless confidence and connection. She knows exactly how to make a script sound like a conversation. Her insights are essential for anyone seeking to master their on-camera delivery skills and eliminate the dreaded "reading look."
Kerry’s "Glass Wall" Realization: Kerry shares a pivotal moment from her own transition from TV to business owner. Despite 20 years on camera, she realized her "perfect" news anchor delivery was actually hurting her business. It created a "glass wall"—a barrier of perfection—between her and her audience. People admired the polish but didn't feel connected to her. She had to learn to drop the "reporter voice" and embrace natural imperfections to truly build trust and attract clients.
Kerry warns creators against the trap of the "News Anchor Voice," noting: "Perfection is not just boring; it creates a 'glass wall' between you and the viewer. Your audience doesn't want a performance; they want a connection."
Key Takeaways for Quick Confidence
- Practice, Don't Memorize: Read your script aloud several times beforehand so the words feel familiar, but rely on the prompter—not memory—during the take.
- Write for the Ear: Use conversational language, contractions (like "it's" and "don't"), and short sentences when writing for a teleprompter to sound more authentic.
- Match Your Speed: Adjust the teleprompter scroll to your natural speaking pace, which is often slower than you might think. Don't rush to follow the text.
- Mind the Gap: Position the text as close to the camera lens as possible to improve eye contact on camera and minimize horizontal eye movement.
- Exaggerate Your Energy: The camera can flatten your emotions. Use intentional facial expressions and hand gestures to communicate with more vibrancy than feels necessary.
Q&A Section: Getting Natural Results with Your Teleprompter
How do I write a script to sound natural on a teleprompter?
The key to writing for a teleprompter is to use a conversational style. Write as if you are talking to one person, using short, simple sentences and contractions. Avoid complex, formal, or lengthy academic prose. Reading your script aloud helps you catch phrases that sound "written" versus "spoken," allowing you to rewrite them for a smoother, more authentic flow.
- Use Internal Cues: Write in all caps when you want to emphasize a word or phrase, helping you inject vocal variety and emotion.
- Take Pauses: Use punctuation like dashes (—) or ellipses (...) to remind yourself to take a physical breath or a beat for emphasis.
How can I improve my eye contact on camera while using a prompter?
Focus your gaze directly into the camera lens, not the edges of the scrolling text. Keeping your eyes on the lens makes it look like you're speaking directly to your audience. The goal is to read phrases in chunks, or "glance-and-grab," allowing you to maintain a steady gaze rather than appearing to scan rapidly across the screen.
- Narrow the Text: Use your online teleprompter settings to make the text column as narrow as possible, further reducing side-to-side eye movement.
- Use AI Eye Contact: If small eye shifts are still an issue, advanced tools like AI eye contact correction can subtly adjust your gaze in post-production.
What is the best teleprompter script speed for natural delivery?
The ideal teleprompter script speed generally falls between 120 and 150 words per minute (WPM), matching a natural conversation. If you speak quickly like a news anchor, you might aim for 160-180 WPM. However, for most business or educational content, set the speed to follow your deliberate, thoughtful pace. You should control the flow, not the screen.
- Test Your Rate: Use a words to minutes calculator to estimate your script duration, then practice to confirm your comfortable speed before filming.
- Don't Race: If you feel like you are chasing the text, slow the scroll speed down immediately. The text is your safety net, not your pace car.
How do I practice teleprompter reading without a physical teleprompter?
You can practice using a mobile teleprompter practice app, which uses your phone or tablet screen. Start by recording a short script of 30-60 seconds multiple times, focusing on one skill at a time: first pacing, then eye contact, then vocal tone. This compartmentalized practice builds video delivery confidence quickly and effectively.
- Listen for Tone: Review your recordings to ensure your voice rises and falls naturally; monotone delivery is the most common sign of avoiding the reading look.
- Use Your Hand: Practice intentionally pointing or gesturing on key phrases to keep your body language dynamic and engaged.
How should I format my teleprompter script for better reading?
For optimal teleprompter script formatting, use a large font (at least 20pt) in a high-contrast color, such as yellow text on a black background. Use double or triple spacing between lines and indent paragraphs. Use bolding or underline for words you want to emphasize. These visual cues break the text into digestible chunks, reducing visual fatigue.
- Break Up Lines: Start a new line after every major thought or sentence, even if the line is short. This forces natural pauses for breathing.
- Check Readability: If you find yourself straining to read the text, increase the font size and line spacing.
What should I do to avoid the reading look?
The biggest secret to avoiding the reading look is to internalize the meaning of your script so you can speak it with feeling. Instead of merely reciting words, focus on conveying the emotion and purpose behind the text. Use your face to reflect the message: smile when delivering positive news, and use a serious expression for important points.
The "50% Rule" Use Case: Kerry often tells her clients that the camera acts like an "energy vampire"—it eats about 50% of your energy. She shares the story of clients who feel ridiculous and "clown-like" when they first amp up their energy. However, when they watch the playback, they are shocked to see that what felt "crazy" actually looks perfectly normal and engaging on screen. To avoid the flat reading look, you must feel like you are over-performing.
- Use Gestures: Allow your head and hands to move naturally. Stiffness in your neck and shoulders makes the reading look more obvious.
- Review the Take: Watch your first draft. If you look stiff, try using an AI video editing tool to adjust the clip or re-record with more intentional movement.
Practical Guide to On-Camera Delivery Practice
Creating powerful, client-attracting video comes down to preparation and using the right tools. Here is a comparison of two common approaches to on-camera delivery practice and why the right tool makes all the difference.
Conclusion: Your Path to Confident, Client-Attracting Video
You've moved past the struggle of time-consuming video creation. By integrating these tips for using a teleprompter into your workflow, you can confidently deliver a professional, engaging message in minutes, not hours. The teleprompter is simply a tool that allows you to be fully present and authentic on camera, ensuring you never miss a key point while maintaining perfect eye contact.
This confident, repeatable process is what allows you to consistently produce high-quality videos that attract new clients and referrals. Stop letting technical difficulties or script anxiety hold back your personal brand.
Start Creating Videos Today with the BIGVU mobile teleprompter and transform your video presence.
