How to read a script on a Zoom call on a Mac
To read a script on a Zoom call on a Mac, open the NotchStar Teleprompter tab, paste your script, pin the notch open and press play. The text scrolls right beside the camera, so your eyes stay close to the lens. The same steps work in any video call app, because NotchStar is not part of the call.
Before the call
- Open the notch. By default you hover over it. If you changed the open mode in Settings to click, click it instead.
- Choose the Teleprompter tab.
- Press the pencil button. A text box opens. Paste your script, then press the check mark to go back to reading.
- Press play and watch a few lines go by. Move the speed slider (tortoise on the left, hare on the right) until you can read aloud at a natural pace. The second slider sets the text size.
- Press the back to start button (the arrow that curves counterclockwise) so the script begins at the top. Pause is the same button as play.
Speed and size are remembered the next time you open the tab. The script is stored on your Mac in NotchStar’s preferences and is not uploaded.
Keep the notch open during the call
In the default hover mode the notch closes when your pointer leaves it. You will be clicking in Zoom, so press Keep open in the notch header first. It pins the notch. Press Unpin when the call is over. Pinning also means a stray mouse movement will not close the script in the middle of a sentence.
Check the framing first
Open Mirror before you join to see your own camera, then switch back to the Teleprompter. The camera check guide covers the permission prompt and the camera your call app has selected.
What it does not do
- It does not follow your voice. If you pause to answer a question, the script keeps moving until you press pause. Apps that follow your voice are listed in the notch teleprompter comparison.
- It does not hide from screen sharing. If you share your whole display, anything on it can be visible to the other people. Share a single window instead, or read the screen sharing page.
- One script, plain text. There is one script at a time, with no formatting.
- It does not control your call. It does not mute you, pick your camera or join the meeting.
Rehearse once
Read a paragraph aloud with the call app closed. If you rush to keep up, lower the speed. If you lean toward the screen, raise the text size. The teleprompter guide has more on pacing and writing for the ear.
On a Mac without a notch, NotchStar shows a floating pill at the top of the screen, and the same steps apply.
