10 secrets: How to Naturally Read a Video Script On Camera

Use these 10 secrets to learn how to naturally read a video script! You can use these if you’re recording with a teleprompter or without a teleprompter. These strategies come from my 12 years of video production experience, both behind the camera and in front of it.

Most people think that they have to be off-the-cuff when they’re recording videos.

​But the best way to make videos faster and easier is to use a video script.​

And guess what? If you do it the right way:

… You won’t sound scripted.

… People will not see that you’re reading something.

… You’ll make videos easier, faster, and more naturally than ever before.

10 secrets for reading a video script naturally on camera

(We’ve got tips for recording with OR without a teleprompter!)

1) Set up your prompter at eye level, or JUST slightly above.

(and make sure the camera itself is level).

🎞 Shooting from eye level makes you look most natural on your videos.

🎞 Don’t shoot from too much of a downward angle (brings back 2000’s MySpace profile pic vibes).

🎞 And DEFINITELY don’t shoot from below (helloooo double chins and up-the-nose!)

2) Position yourself far enough away from the camera.​

(so people can’t see your eyes movinG)

🎥 This is one of the biggest mistakes I see when business owners are filming their videos with a prompter.

🎥 You might be reading a script – but you do NOT want people to know that you are. 😉

3) Read from the right place on the screen.

This can make or break whether or not you look like a pro, or an amateur.

🎞 There are different techniques for shooting on a phone or with a camera. (Watch the video to see the specific techniques!)

🎞 If you follow those tips, you’ll also make sure your eyes don’t look creepy or weird, and it will not be obvious that you’re reading.

4) If you want to make your videos sound natural, your script needs to be written in a certain way.

You need to write in your own voice.

🎥 Your words need to sound like YOU.

🎥 And don’t write like you write – write like you SPEAK.

🎥 Include slang.

🎥 Incomplete sentences.

🎥 Don’t try to sound too formal unless that’s how you speak with people in everyday conversations.

5) Make your tone sound conversational.

🎞 Whether you choose to use a teleprompter or not – you don’t want your videos to sound like a presentation.

🎞 You want them to feel like you’re talking to someone in real life.

🎞 The people who are watching your videos on YouTube or Instagram are probably watching by themselves at their kitchen table, or on their couch.

 

So talk to them like they’re a human - not a camera lens.

6) Format your script in the right way.

If you don't, you'll sound like a weird robot.

🎥 Write in short sentences.

🎥 Use active voice instead of passive voice to keep things engaging and not rambly.

🎥 And don’t forget to skip lines between sentences. This inserts natural pauses, and helps you not to rush through your delivery.

7) Find a teleprompter speed that works for you!

You want to go for a speed that feels like you have high energy when you’re talking, but not rushing.

🎞 For me – BECAUSE of my personality, and because I’m already high-energy, I will choose a speed that is JUUUST barely too fast. And then whenever I fall too far behind, I’ll walk up to the camera and scroll back to where I left off.

🎞 So play around with it and see what speed feels good for you.

8) Pay attention to what your face is doing!

🎥 Smile while you’re talking – or at least in between sentences. This will improve your tone and you’ll seem more approachable on-camera.

🎥 Also, make sure you’re blinking. Don’t open your eyeballs super wide like a psychopath.

🎥 Sit back and RELAX.

🎥 Just be a human. Let your eyes crinkle if you’re smiling. Show emotion that reflects what you’re saying in your video.

 

9) Set your stance and your posture before you start recording.

THIS WILL HELP YOU SHOW UP AS YOUR BEST SELF.

🎞 It’s always best to record standing whenever you can because it keeps your posture open and confident. (Sitting makes it easy to slouch and look sloppy.)

🎞 I like to turn on my 5-second timer on my prompter app so I have a moment to go get set on my mark.

🎞 Roll your shoulders back and down, take a deep breath, and smile.

🎞 Always start your videos with a smile on your face.

10) If you’re not using a prompter - you should STILL write a script.

🎥 It makes sure you’re creating valuable video content.

🎥 You don’t have to script it out word for word, just know what the subject matter is that you’re going to say.

🎥 And then – you can record your script in chunks.

🎥 This will help you look more natural, and you don’t have to memorize anything.

So talk to them like they’re a human - not a camera lens.

11) You have to PRACTICE.

bonus secret!

🎞 You will not get more natural on-camera if you do not practice.

🎞 You will not get better at reading a script if you don’t practice.

🎞 Video is something that doesn’t come naturally to about 95% of humans on this planet.

🎞 Even when I was working in Los Angeles – I saw it in the professional models and actors that we worked with. People have to WORK to get good on-camera. And if they can do it – so can you.

​Want to grow your business with video?

If you want to 10X your traffic with Instagram + YouTube, so you can attract hot leads on repeat – you’ll love Social Video Academy. Enroll & get lifetime access to the curriculum, and 2x/monthly group coaching calls with Shana!

Would you like to learn more about video marketing strategy or social media marketing? Check out my other blogs on topics like video strategy, video tips and techniques, confidence on-camera, YouTube marketing, Instagram marketing, entrepreneurship and more.