Teleprompter Speed: Finding the Right Pace

One of the most common questions we get from first-time teleprompter users: "How fast should it scroll?" The answer is simple in theory—match your natural speaking pace—but finding that sweet spot takes practice and good communication with your operator.

The Goal: Invisible Technology

When teleprompter speed is right, you don't think about it. The words arrive just as you need them. You're focused on delivery, meaning, and connection with your audience—not on keeping up with or waiting for text.

When speed is wrong, it dominates your attention. Too fast, and you feel rushed, stressed, stumbling. Too slow, and you're waiting, losing momentum, appearing hesitant.

Average Speaking Speeds

For reference, here are typical speaking rates:

• Conversational speech: 120-150 words per minute
• Professional presentations: 140-160 words per minute
• Broadcast news: 150-175 words per minute
• Auctioneers: 250+ words per minute (extreme case!)

Most teleprompter users fall in the 140-160 wpm range, but individual variation is significant.

Factors That Affect Your Ideal Speed

Content Complexity

Technical content, emotional passages, or complex ideas usually require slower delivery. Transitional material and simple statements can move faster.

Audience and Context

Speaking to a large auditorium? Slow down for impact and comprehension. Recording a quick social media clip? You can move faster.

Your Natural Rhythm

Some people naturally speak quickly. Others are more deliberate. Your teleprompter speed should match YOUR natural pace, not some ideal standard.

Nerves and Energy

Adrenaline typically speeds people up. If you know you tend to rush when nervous, starting slightly slower than feels natural can help.

Working with Your Operator

The best teleprompter operators are constantly adjusting speed to match the speaker. Here's how to help them help you:

During Rehearsal

• Tell them if it feels too fast or too slow
• Ask them to follow you rather than setting a fixed speed
• Practice sections with different pacing requirements

During Performance

• Trust the operator to adjust—they're watching you constantly
• If you need a pause, just pause—good operators will stop scrolling
• If you get lost, look at the operator and they'll help you find your place

Manual vs. Follow Mode

Modern teleprompter software often includes "follow" modes that attempt to automatically match scroll speed to the speaker's voice. These can work well but aren't perfect.

Experienced operators typically use manual control because they can anticipate pauses, adjust for emphasis, and handle the unexpected moments that automatic systems struggle with.

Tips for Finding Your Speed

Start Slower Than You Think

Most first-time teleprompter users want to go too fast. Starting slow and speeding up is easier than the reverse.

Focus on Meaning, Not Words

When you focus on what you're saying rather than reading words, your natural pace emerges. This also produces better delivery.

Watch Your Breathing

If you're not getting enough breath, you're probably going too fast. Natural speech includes regular breath points.

Look at Yourself Later

Review recordings of your teleprompter sessions. You'll spot pacing issues that weren't obvious in the moment.