Why Financial Advisors Should Use a Teleprompter: A Guide to Smarter Virtual Meetings and Video Creation

Virtual meetings and video creation are essential tools for financial advisors, but they can also be draining and technically challenging. That’s where a teleprompter comes in.

Originally used by newscasters, teleprompters are now invaluable for advisors looking to improve eye contact during virtual meetings or streamline their video content creation process.

In this blog and video, we’ll cover:

  • What a teleprompter is and why it’s useful for advisors
  • How it saves energy and enhances virtual meetings
  • A step-by-step guide to setting up a teleprompter

What Is a Teleprompter, and Why Do Advisors Need One?

A teleprompter reflects text or an image onto a glass screen in front of your camera, allowing you to look directly at the lens while reading a script or meeting with a client or prospect.

This setup provides several benefits for financial advisors:

  • Effortless Eye Contact: It mirrors your Zoom or Teams window into the teleprompter, helping you maintain direct eye contact with clients.
  • Energy Efficiency: Constantly looking up and down during virtual meetings is exhausting. A teleprompter helps you stay focused and saves energy.
  • Improved Posture: By keeping your gaze level with the camera, you’ll avoid slouching and maintain better posture throughout the day.
  • Smoother Videos: If you use scripts or outlines for compliance or comfort, a teleprompter ensures you stay on message while looking professional.

How to Set Up Your Teleprompter

Setting up a teleprompter may seem intimidating, but I’m here to break it down into easy-to-follow steps. 

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Step 1: Choose the Right Teleprompter

For this guide, we’re using the Neewer X12 Teleprompter. It’s sturdy, reliable, and comes in a convenient briefcase for easy transport.

  • Price: $160–$200 (often on sale).
  • Tip: Invest in a sturdy tripod like this one to handle the weight of the teleprompter and your camera.

A similar, lower-cost option ($89-$99) with an easier setup is the Neewer X12B Teleprompter. It has a slightly smaller display at 12″ but it weighs about half of the X12 and has an installation-free design. 

Step 2: Assemble the Teleprompter

  1. Attach to a Tripod:
    Secure the teleprompter to your tripod so that your camera will be at eye level. This positioning is crucial for maintaining direct eye contact during meetings.

  2. Add Your Camera:
    Mount your camera (or webcam) to the teleprompter. Ensure it’s centered in the angled glass. If you’re using a webcam, you may need a little attachment like this to get the webcam to the right height behind the teleprompter glass. 

  3. Install the Hood:
    The black hood blocks external light, ensuring a clear reflection on the teleprompter’s glass. Adjust it tightly around your camera, or just around your lens if you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Step 3: Mirror Your Screen into the Teleprompter

  1. Download Duet Air by Duet Display:
    Download this on both your computer and the tablet that will sit in the teleprompter. This app mirrors your computer screen onto a tablet or iPad, which you’ll place on the teleprompter.

  2. Connect Your Devices:
    Use a cable to ensure a stable connection and keep your tablet charged.

  3. Adjust the Display:
    Position the Zoom or Teams window on your monitor so that it reflects right in front of your lens on your mirrored tablet screen. This way, you can see your clients’ faces while maintaining eye contact.

Why a Permanent Setup Matters

To save time and energy, create a workspace that’s always ready for use. Avoid constantly reassembling your equipment. A permanent setup ensures:

  • You can jump into virtual meetings or recordings seamlessly.
  • Your energy and focus stay on your clients, not your equipment.

The Benefits of Using a Teleprompter

Here’s how teleprompters elevate your business:

  • Better Client Experience: Your clients feel heard and valued when you make consistent eye contact.
  • Energy Conservation: Avoid the fatigue of constantly shifting your gaze.
  • Professionalism on Video: Whether for compliance scripts or marketing videos, a teleprompter keeps you polished and on point.

Get Started Today

If you’re a financial advisor looking to enhance your virtual meetings and video production, a teleprompter is a smart investment. For this setup, you’ll need:

Setting this up takes a little effort, but the energy savings and improved client experience are well worth it.

What about the Neewer teleprompter app and using the teleprompter for scripts?

I do not recommend the Neewer teleprompter app. Instead, I recommend Speakflow. It’s web-based, user friendly, and with Duet Display, easily projects into your teleprompter for reading your script or an outline. 

I will cover this in detail in an upcoming video. 

Want to see this setup in action? Watch the full video above for a detailed walkthrough and additional tips.

By incorporating a teleprompter into your daily routine, you’ll not only feel more confident in meetings and recordings but also leave your clients with a lasting impression of professionalism and care. 

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About Katie Braden, CFP®

Katie is an 18-year veteran in the financial planning industry who founded Advisor Video Marketing to merge her love for financial planning and the transformative power of video.

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