Autocue

/ˈɔːtəkjuː/ noun

Definition

A teleprompter or device that displays a speaker's script on a screen so they can read their lines while appearing to speak naturally.

Etymology

From auto- (self) + cue (theatrical term for a signal to speak). This is a British trade name (Autocue Ltd.) that became genericized, combining the idea of automatic cueing with performance terminology.

Kelly Says

The autocue revolutionized television by letting newsreaders appear confident and natural while actually reading a script—but this technology also made bad public speakers more dangerous because they could deliver misleading information with perfect composure.

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