Using a script can make video recording easier—or way harder.
If you’ve ever tried reading from a script and felt robotic, stiff, or just off, it’s not because you’re bad at it. It’s because you weren’t using it the right way.
And if you’ve never used a script because you weren’t sure how—this will save you from those same mistakes.
A script should help you sound clear, confident, and engaging—not like you’re reading for the first time.
So today, I’m sharing my top three tips for using a script effectively. Plus, I’ll show you exactly how formatting impacts delivery—and you can see the difference for yourself.
Tip 1: Read Your Script Out Loud Before Recording
The biggest mistake people make with a script?
Writing it, skimming it once, and hitting record.
That doesn’t work.
The way we write and the way we speak are completely different.
If you don’t read your script out loud first, you’ll:
❌ Stumble over awkward phrases
❌ Rush through sentences
❌ Realize mid-recording that something just doesn’t sound right
Reading out loud helps you catch what feels unnatural, or at least unnatural to how you speak.
✔️ You’ll hear where your natural pauses are
✔️ You’ll notice where the words don’t flow smoothly
✔️ You’ll know exactly where you need to tweak the phrasing
Before recording, read your script out loud at least twice. And if something feels off? Change it.
Tip 2: Format Your Script for Easy Reading
Formatting makes or breaks how well you deliver your script.
Most people type out scripts like a blog post—big, chunky paragraphs that look fine on paper but are a nightmare to read while recording.
If you have to search for your place on the page or struggle to read a long sentence in one breath, you will sound like you’re reading.
Instead, format your script like this:
✅ Short, easy-to-read lines
✅ Natural pauses between ideas
✅ No long paragraphs that make you lose your place
✅ Bolded keywords to emphasize important points
If you’re using a teleprompter, format it so each new thought appears one at a time.
💡 Not sure what a teleprompter is or how to use it? Check out my video and blog post here.
Proper formatting allows you to glance at your script quickly, stay on track, and deliver your message smoothly, even when using a teleprompter.
Tip 3: Use a Teleprompter That Flows with You
Reading from a script is tricky enough.
But struggling to manually scroll while recording? Or trying to keep eye contact while reading from printed notes?
That’s an instant way to look stiff and unnatural—and it’s exhausting.
That’s why I highly recommend using a teleprompter like SpeakFlow.
📌 Here’s why I love SpeakFlow:
- It has a “flow” option that listens to your voice and scrolls automagically as you speak.
- No more guessing your scroll speed or getting distracted by stopping and starting.
- It moves at your pace, keeping you focused on delivering your message.
But here’s the catch—
If you haven’t read your script out loud first…
Or haven’t formatted it properly…
Even the best teleprompter won’t fix a bad script.
That’s why all three of these tips work together to help you sound natural.
With the right approach, using a script can help you record videos faster, more confidently, and with way less stress.
And over time, you’ll likely get so comfortable that you won’t need a script. You’ll just use a few bullet points to keep you focused and ensure you don’t miss any key points.
That’s what I usually do!