0521 – Reading Scripts From A Screen

2022.06.05 – 0521 – Reading Scripts From A Screen

In 2020, I started to read radio news bulletins from a screen. Before that, scripts were always printed out and reading them on air often meant that your head was nodded down to look at sheet on the desk in front of you. That of course cause a ‘kink’ in the throat and a subsequent reduction in the quality of presentation. Now, off-screen reading means that my head is naturally held up, allowing a better flow of air, and (hopefully!) better presentation.

That’s not the case in every studio of course: some have screens sunk into the desk to allow for a better view of the presenter on in-studio cameras set up for social media livestreams.

If you can’t read off screen for some reason (perhaps you are recording a podcast with a colleague and the video link is on your screen instead), then either:

·        firmly hold each sheet up, to cause you to lift your head up

·        prop your script against the screen of your laptop, so you can still see your video and your own camera is not obscured. This will also mean that when you glance to one side to read, or adlib from your script, your eyes are not far from the lens so you will still appear ‘connected’ with your audience

have your script on a second electronic device perhaps on an adjustable arm or goose-neck, or printed out and on script rest or even (if you are standing) a music stand. Having it at head height will save you bending your neck and so restrict your airflow and vocal quality. 

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