Your iPhone is Your Secret Weapon: Teleprompting for Founders

The App: There are dozens of teleprompter apps. Look for ones that offer smooth scrolling, font customization (size, color, typeface), the ability to load scripts easily (paste, cloud import, text files), and ideally, remote control options (like a Bluetooth clicker or even a smartwatch).

The Hardware: This is crucial for eye-line. You need a way to position your iPhone's screen at eye level, directly in front of your camera lens. This often means a physical mount or rig. For founders, especially those doing video pitches, a rig that holds both your iPhone and a separate camera (or just positions your iPhone perfectly for its camera) is ideal. Some rigs use a beamsplitter glass, similar to professional teleprompters, reflecting the text from your phone onto the glass in front of your lens. Others are simpler stands that place your phone at eye level, requiring you to look slightly above or below the lens.

Your Script: This is the foundation. Your script needs to be concise, impactful, and written for spoken delivery. More on this later.

Positioning is Key: The goal is to look directly into the camera lens, not at the screen. If you're using a beamsplitter rig, this is straightforward. If you're using a stand, experiment to find the sweet spot where you can read the screen without looking away from the lens. A slight upward tilt of the phone often helps.

Font & Speed: This is where personalization comes in. Use a font size that's comfortable to read at a distance. Too small, and you'll strain. Too large, and it looks unprofessional. Practice your speaking pace and adjust the scrolling speed accordingly. Most apps allow you to control speed on the fly, which is a lifesaver. A good starting point is around 120-150 words per minute, but this varies.

Eye Contact Practice: Even with a teleprompter, you need to practice delivering through it. Aim to maintain eye contact for 80-90% of the time. The teleprompter is there to guide you, not to make you read every single word verbatim. Break the script into sentences and paragraphs; deliver one, then look up and connect before scrolling to the next.

Remote Control: A Bluetooth clicker or a smartwatch app can be invaluable. It allows you to control the scrolling speed and pauses without having to touch your phone, keeping your hands free and your flow uninterrupted.

Reducing Hesitation: No more "umms" or "ahhs" as you search for your next thought.

Ensuring Key Points Are Hit: You won't forget critical data or your unique value proposition.

Maintaining a Consistent Tone: You can deliver a controlled, professional message, even under pressure.

Script Formatting: Use short sentences and paragraphs. Break up long blocks of text. Use ALL CAPS for words you want to emphasize, or simply mark them in your mind.

Practice with the Tool: Don't just practice the script; practice using the teleprompter. Get comfortable with the scrolling speed and learn to look up naturally.

Use it for Different Scenarios: Beyond investor pitches, use it for founder videos, product demos, important internal announcements, or even social media content.

Reading Too Fast: This is the most common mistake. You'll sound like a race announcer and lose all authenticity. Always err on the side of slightly too slow.

Looking Too Low: If you're staring at your phone's screen, it's obvious you're reading. Adjust your setup to look closer to the lens.

Monotone Delivery: Even with a script, inject emotion and variation in your voice. The teleprompter is a guide, not a dictator of your performance.

Not Practicing with the Setup: A teleprompter setup is only as good as your ability to use it. Rehearse extensively with your specific app and hardware.