How to Use a Teleprompter on Zoom Without Sharing Your Notes
Set up a teleprompter beside Zoom on one or two screens, keep notes near your webcam, and check that screen sharing shows only your presentation.
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Run the prompter in a separate browser window near your webcam while Zoom uses the camera. Keep the script outside the window or display you share, and check Zoom’s sharing preview before presenting. A separate reading device is useful when you need to share your entire computer display.
How do you arrange one screen?
- Open Zoom and the prompter in separate windows.
- Put a narrow reading area near the actual webcam, keeping call controls reachable.
- If presenting, open the slides or demonstration in the specific window you intend to share.
- Select that presentation window where supported, rather than the complete display containing the notes.
- Check the share preview and a test participant view before the real call.
LilPrompter runs in your browser and does not connect to Zoom or stay on top of other windows automatically. Start the scrolling yourself, and check that the script stays out of anything you share or record.
What changes with two screens or a tablet?
With two monitors, put your script on the one nearest the camera and your presentation on the other. In Zoom, select the presentation screen to share. Check the preview again if you move windows between screens.
If you need to share your whole desktop, read your script from a phone or tablet. Copy the text onto that device; LilPrompter does not sync scripts between devices. Put it close to the camera and make a test recording to check where your eyes are looking.
Can other participants see the script?
Zoom supports full-screen, selected-window and region sharing. A visible script inside a captured area can be shared. Zoom application-sharing settings can include individual windows or all windows from an app; another browser window is not necessarily excluded.
Check the preview whenever you move windows or start sharing something else. Ask someone on a test call what they can see. Sharing options can vary by operating system, so follow the instructions for your computer.
How should you handle questions?
A full script can help with a prepared announcement. For a conversation, short notes may be easier to use. Pause the scrolling when someone asks a question, then find your place before starting again. Click back into LilPrompter before using keyboard shortcuts. If you use voice commands while unmuted, others on the call can hear them.
TED’s virtual-presentation advice covers looking toward the camera, varying your voice and rehearsing. Record a short practice run to see how you look and sound.
Frequently asked questions
Are notes automatically hidden on Zoom?
No. If you share or record the screen or window containing your script, others may see it. Check Zoom’s preview and test the view from another participant’s screen.
Do I need two monitors?
No. You can keep your notes and presentation in separate windows and share just the presentation. If you need to share your whole screen, read from a separate phone or tablet.