Podcasting with a Teleprompter—Even for Audio Podcasts

The Audacity to Podcast® – Episode 426
Host: Daniel J. Lewis
Date: April 1, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Daniel J. Lewis explores the benefits and practicalities of integrating a teleprompter into your podcasting workflow—even for audio-only podcasts. Daniel discusses how these tools, traditionally used by newscasters and public speakers, can enhance delivery, eye contact, workflow efficiency, and the overall listener/viewer experience even if you never produce video content. He shares favorite hardware and software, provides actionable tips, and explains how teleprompters can empower both new and seasoned podcasters to sound more professional and confident.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What is a Teleprompter and Why Consider It?

• Daniel explains the basic concept: a reflective display that allows you to see notes, script, or prompts while looking “through” it, typically straight at a camera, but just as useful off-camera ([00:55]).
• While often associated with video, teleprompters can meaningfully streamline audio podcast workflows by keeping notes or scripts in clear view.

2. Five Benefits of Using a Teleprompter for Podcasting

1. Make Eye Contact with Your Audience ([02:20])

• Eye contact is a foundational presentation skill, creating intimacy and engagement—even in audio where the “eye” contact is metaphorical.
• “Podcasting tends to be a bit more intimate… audio podcasting allows people to take your episode with them, theoretically anywhere, and they can listen to your voice directly in their ears.” — Daniel J. Lewis ([05:35])
• For video, teleprompters enable direct, natural connection with your audience. Even in audio workflow, putting your main focus straight ahead enhances delivery.

2. Display Your Notes or Script ([11:45])

• Teleprompters aren't just for full scripts—use them for outlines, prompts, stats, or cue cards as well:
  • “You don't have to use a teleprompter for a whole script. You could use a teleprompter for just your notes. In fact, that's what I'm doing right now.” — Daniel ([13:10])
• Modern teleprompter software can "listen" to you and auto-scroll to match your live pacing, or be advanced manually—keeping you on track without awkwardly glancing away.
• Clean interfaces and customizable scrolling help maintain flow and minimize distraction.

3. See Yourself As the Camera Sees You ([33:40])

• Teleprompters can function as a “smart mirror” for adjusting lighting, framing, and appearance directly to camera without looking away—great for ensuring video quality and confidence.
• Mirrored video placement helps with orientation, acting “just as if you’re looking at a mirror.” — Daniel ([34:50])

4. See & Engage with Co-hosts or Guests ([35:42])

• Place a Zoom/Descript/Riverside call in the teleprompter view for more natural, face-to-face interaction—even if you’re not recording video.
• “The conversation feels so much different if you can look at the person you’re talking to and a teleprompter enables you to do that…” — Daniel ([37:15])
• Especially valuable for reading nonverbal cues, supporting co-hosted shows, and cultivating genuine dialogue.

5. Use as an External Display ([44:30])

• Many models (like the Elgato Prompter) function as plug-and-play extra monitors—ideal for offloading reference material (e.g., notes, chatroom, stats, social feeds) and boosting productivity.
• “Anything you can do with an external display, you can do with it—even when the camera’s not on.” ([46:50])

Daniel’s Workflow & Hardware Recommendations

• Favorite Model: Elgato Prompter and Elgato Prompter XL ([49:40])
  • Not an ad or sponsorship, though Daniel does provide affiliate links.
  • “I recommend things I truly believe in regardless of earnings and I'm not currently sponsored by anyone.” — Daniel ([01:43])
  • Prefers the 9-inch model for compact, arm’s length usage; suggests XL/15.5-inch for farther camera setups.
  • Honest about drawbacks: “Their software isn't always that great, but their hardware I think is great and really useful.” ([51:30])
• Prompter Software:
  • Teleprompter apps (e.g., PromptSmart Pro) with auto-scrolling and speech recognition capabilities ([31:20])
  • Tips: Keep font large enough for easy reading but not so big it increases visible eye movement.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “Podcasting tends to be a bit more intimate, and this is thanks to the audio method of podcasting…” ([05:35])
• “You don't have to use a teleprompter for a whole script. You could use a teleprompter for just your notes.” ([13:10])
• “Some of these tools can listen to you and move your script along as it hears you reading those things. I love this feature.” ([24:15])
• “It is so much easier to have a teleprompter. So my notes are in front of me and I can look directly at the camera as I'm looking at my notes...” ([31:32])
• “Anything you can do with an external display, you can do with it even when the camera's not on...” ([46:50])
• “Now that I've given you some of the guts and taught you some of the tools, it's time for you to go start and grow your own podcast for passion and profit.” ([59:24])

Actionable Takeaways

• Consider adding a teleprompter—even just teleprompter software—to streamline your notes, boost on-mic confidence, and improve both solo and interview delivery.
• For video work, keep the prompter (and text) at a reasonable distance/size to minimize eye movement.
• Use the teleprompter to make video calls more natural, see yourself as your camera does, and serve as an extra monitor for reference material.
• Explore Daniel’s recommended models (Elgato Prompter/XL) for reliable hardware or try a tablet with teleprompter apps for a lower-cost approach.

Important Timestamps

• What is a Teleprompter? – [00:55]
• Eye Contact & Intimacy – [02:20]
• Using Notes/Scripts on Prompter – [11:45], [13:10]
• Prompter Software Features – [24:15]
• Practical Setup & Eye Movement Tips – [29:18], [31:10]
• Seeing Yourself As Camera Does – [33:40]
• Engaging with Co-hosts/Guests – [35:42]
• Using as External Display – [44:30], [46:50]
• Model Recommendations & Honest Assessment – [49:40], [51:30]
• Episode Wrap-Up & Motivation – [59:24]

Additional Resources

• Links to recommended hardware/software: See episode notes at theaudacitytopodcast.com/teleprompter
• Affiliate links for Elgato Prompter & XL (support Daniel if you purchase)
• Episode chapters for direct access to discussed features

This episode is rich with practical advice and technical insight for any podcaster looking to enhance their workflow, clarity, and listener engagement—whether or not they ever plan to hit “record” on a camera.