Write an engaging speech. Using a teleprompter will not make a boring or unstructured speech sound interesting. Video producer Hal Landen suggests that you read the speech out loud and make adjustments because the written and spoken word do not always sound the same. Ask friends or family to critique the content of the speech.
Tailor the speech for your intended audience. For example, if you are speaking at a technology trade show, do not explain basic technical terms in detail, because your listeners should be familiar with them. Focus instead on how your products improve productivity.
Prepare a teleprompter copy of the speech after the content has been finalized. Public relations firm Fleishman-Hillard's Media and Presentation Training unit suggests that you mark up the teleprompter version just like you would a regular speech. For example, highlight words that should be emphasized, insert symbols or text for pauses and add notes in the margins for other technical elements.
Keep a hard copy of the speech with you because mishaps do happen. For example, a March 2009 "New York Times" article by Peter Baker mentions how the wrong speech was inserted into the teleprompter for President Clinton's 1993 health-care address to Congress. "USA Today" carried a July 2009 Associated Press report on how one of President Obama's teleprompter screens crashed in the middle of a speech. Because they were experienced speakers, both presidents were able to carry on with their speeches despite the technical difficulties. If you believe in what you are going to say and know the subject matter inside out, you can connect with the audience with or without a teleprompter.
Make eye contact with the audience. Look from panel to panel, thus giving you full coverage of the room. If you are speaking to a television audience with one teleprompter screen, look into the camera when speaking.
Pace your speech. Fleishman-Hillard reminds speakers that a teleprompter is not a "treadmill": the speakers are supposed to control the pace, not the teleprompters. Draw on your practice sessions to incorporate the technical elements of public speaking -- vocal variety, gestures, body movement and eye contact -- to connect with the audience.