Pace and timing
How to choose the right teleprompter speed
There is no universal teleprompter speed. The right pace is the one that leaves enough attention for meaning, eye contact, and breath. Words per minute gives you a useful starting point.
Updated August 23, 2026
01
Start around 120-150 words per minute
Many conversational presentations fit in this range. A deliberate explanation may sit near 100-120 WPM, while an energetic short video can reach 150-180 WPM. Dense or emotional material usually benefits from a slower pace.
02
Calculate the required pace
Divide the number of words by the available minutes. A 650-word script delivered in five minutes requires 130 WPM. If the result is uncomfortable, shorten the script rather than forcing the scroll higher.
03
Tune the screen, not only the number
Scroll speed is measured in screen movement, while speaking pace is measured in words. Font size, line height, text width, and paragraph spacing all change how quickly the text must move. Set appearance first, then tune speed during a rehearsal.
04
Watch for signs of the wrong pace
Your delivery tells you more than the slider value.
- Too fast: clipped endings, shallow breaths, little eye contact, and a rising voice.
- Too slow: waiting for the next line, unnatural pauses, and reading ahead repeatedly.
- About right: you can glance away, emphasize a phrase, and return without losing your place.
05
Rehearse the difficult section
Instead of testing only the easy opening, rehearse the densest paragraph or list. Set a speed that works there. Small adjustments during the final delivery are normal, especially after pauses or demonstrations.