How do you make the spokesperson delivery of the script natural and authentical, especially if they're not a trained actor?

Making a spokesperson's delivery feel natural and authentic, even without acting experience, is all about preparation, personalization, and technique. Here’s how I achieve it:
1. Understand the Script
* Know the Message: I ensure the spokesperson understands the purpose and tone of the script. When they grasp the "why" behind the words, their delivery becomes more genuine.
2. Personalize the Delivery
* Match Their Style: Adapt the script to align with the spokesperson’s natural speaking style and personality. If the words feel like their own, it comes across authentically.
3. Focus on Conversational Tone
* Speak to One Person: I coach the spokesperson to imagine they’re talking to a single friend or colleague, which helps avoid sounding robotic or rehearsed.
* Pause Naturally: Encouraging natural pauses for emphasis or reflection ensures the delivery feels spontaneous.
4. Practice with Feedback
* Rehearse Aloud: Practicing out loud helps refine tone and pacing.
5. Body Language and Eye Contact
* Relaxed Movements: Natural gestures and expressions make the delivery more believable. I avoid overly scripted movements that might feel forced.
* Camera Connection: For videos, maintaining steady eye contact with the camera lens creates a direct connection with the audience.

By focusing on these steps, even non-actors can deliver scripts in a way that feels authentic, approachable, and engaging.

A readily available autocue/teleprompter app can help considerably for those who might be nervous and have difficulty remembering lines. This takes away some of the stress. The trick though is to become familiar with the script in such a way that you're able to deliver it without overthinking. This may take a bit of practice. 
Also, breathe - you're human after all. Breathing is natural and will allow you give a more natural feeling delivery. 

Hey there what an excellent question! Being a spokesperson for close to a decade I would highly recommend several factors. 

1) Get to know the script:

Rather then just read over a script and sit down in front of the camera, take time to get to know what is being shared, and even go as far as to speak with your client about what they are looking for. Sometimes you can "steal" the enthusiasm you see within your own client as they speak about their product or service.


2) Take your time, and use a teleprompter:

Depending on the project I tend to leave small cuts throughout the video even when delivering RAW content. By using the teleprompter app on my phone; I'm able to place spaces and breaks in between the script to make sure I can also speak at a natural pace. Also finding a "word speed" on the app that best suits your reading will also help you read more confidently and comfortably.


3) "Use Your Hands":

It's okay to use your hands. Some people will say using your hands in day to day conversation can be, distracting. But on camera, using your hands provides a better way to engage with your viewers visually as well as providing a stimulation of immersion. The best presenters work on using their voice, tone and hands to keep an audience interested in the story/content at "hand".


4) Finally be yourself:
No matter what name you take on, or what branded shirt you're wearing to represent your client, be yourself. When reading over a script think some of the following:

* How do I act when I'm happy?
*How do I react when I'm surprised?
* How would I tell this to my friends?

Genuine content and authenticity are becoming more sought after and where you can be authentic be exactly that. Viewers what to listen to what the deem real and connective. This trait will provide better deliveries and provide excellent service for your clients : )