Episode Description
You have written the perfect script. But the moment you press record, your voice goes flat and you sound like you are reading a textbook. News anchors use teleprompters every day and sound natural, so why is it so hard for the rest of us?
In this episode, I break down four specific techniques to fix that robotic delivery. We look at the trade-offs between reading word-for-word and improvising, and how each method impacts your editing time and cognitive load. I also share the specific method I use for my own shows to balance accuracy with a human connection.
Here is what you will learn in this episode:
- The trade-off between natural delivery and post-production editing time
- How to use the "Look Down, Look Up" method for short-form content
- Techniques for scan-reading a teleprompter effectively
- How to use "Reference Cues" and bolding to anchor your memory
- The "Reference and Improvise" workflow for long-form episodes
The goal is to sound like the expert you are.
Resources Mentioned:Previous episode on script formatting:
Podcast: https://stereoforest.com/episodes/solo-podcasting-workflow-voice-to-final-script/
Video: https://youtu.be/LixDbzNYRXE
Anchor words: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1244288/full
Newsletter: https://StereoForest.com/newsletter
CHAPTERS
00:00 The problem with reading scripts
02:22 Balancing delivery vs. editing time
03:57 Method 1: Look down, look up (Short-term memory)
05:26 Method 2: Scan reading (News anchor style)
06:50 Method 3: Reference cues (Anchoring)
10:24 Method 4: Reference and improvise
12:31 Choosing the right technique for you
About and Support==========================
Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan.
Contact Jen at https://jendehaan.com
SupportYour support will help this show continue. Funds will go towards hosting and music licensing for this show and others. This show is produced by an independent HUMAN artist directly affected by the state of the industry.
Support the Show- Like this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://performance.captivate.fm
- We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz
- We have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd
- Transcriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk
- Schedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR
About Jen
Host: Jen deHaan has a background of almost 30 years in tech, education, & instructional design and 10 years in improv and performance.
Jen's website: https://jendehaan.com
Made and produced by Jen deHaan in British Columbia, Canada.