Teleprompter Training Tip #36: Keep Still
People very rarely stand totally still, often shifting from side to side of shuffling their feet. This is a perfectly normal reaction but isn’t really the best thing to do during a shoot.
Movements like this make you look uncomfortable which if you’re rocking from side to side, you probably are.
Similar to the eye contact and movement touched on previously, gesturing during a presentation is acceptable. Animated gestures form part of the way we communicate and are perfectly normal. Swaying from side to side or awkwardly shuffling your feet though isn’t an accepted part of a video production though.
So before the beginning of a take or a speech, stretch, or jump up and down . . . do anything that will ease your fatigue. Start every take at your best level of concentration.
If you still rock or sway, the producer can provide you with a pedestal (to rest one foot on), or anchor you in your chair somehow.
When you are ready to bring your presentations in-house, use professional teleprompter software . . . it will make a huge difference to the success of your production.