idiot board
Definition
- Noun:
- A prompting device used in television: An "idiot board" is a board or screen that displays text for a presenter or speaker to read, typically out of sight of the camera or audience. It is used to help the speaker remember lines or cues during a broadcast.
Usage Examples
- (A prompting device used during a television broadcast.)
- (A screen or board showing text for the speaker.)
Advanced Usage
"to be on the idiot board": to be using or reading from a prompting device.
- The actor was on the idiot board during the entire interview. (The actor was reading from a prompter.)
"to set up the idiot board": to prepare the prompting device for use.
- The stagehand set up the idiot board before the taping. (The assistant readied the prompter.)
Variants and Related Words
Teleprompter (n): a more formal term for a similar device that displays text for a speaker.
- The politician used a teleprompter for the speech. (A prompting device, synonymous with idiot board in professional contexts.)
Autocue (n): a brand name often used generically for a prompting device.
- The presenter read from the Autocue. (A synonym for teleprompter or idiot board.)
Synonyms
- Prompter: a person or device that supplies cues or lines.
- Cue card: a card with text held near a camera for the speaker to read (less formal than an idiot board).
Phrasal Verbs
- Read off: to read from a device or text.
- The host read off the idiot board during the commercial break. (Read from the prompting device.)
Related Idioms
Off the cuff: without preparation or notes (contrasts with using an idiot board).
- He spoke off the cuff, not needing the idiot board. (Spoke spontaneously, without prompts.)
On the fly: quickly, without prior planning (often implies not using an idiot board).
- She answered questions on the fly, ignoring the idiot board. (Responded without prewritten text.)