Georgetown Commencement Teleprompter

The TelePrompter waits at Georgetown's commencement podium as a standard cue device with scrolling text for speakers. Georgetown Chancellor asks Bartlet if he plans to use it; Bartlet says no. It stays unused through pre-ceremony preparations while Bartlet and Will finalize the address upstairs, its presence underscoring the event's formality against Bartlet's off-script delivery.

3 appearances

Purpose

Displaying scripted speech text for podium speakers during the commencement ceremony

Significance

Bartlet's refusal to use it signals his intent to speak from memory, amplifying the personal stakes of his paternal message amid Zoey's impending departure and the looming security crisis.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S4E22 · Commencement

Welty vs. Gandhi — A Father's Anxiety Before the Podium

The TelePrompter sits waiting at the podium as an unused procedural device; it is discussed by the Chancellor and Bartlet as an option but ultimately not employed, emphasizing Bartlet's off-script approach.

Before: Positioned at the podium, ready for use but not activated.

After: Remains unused while Bartlet proceeds without it.

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S4E22 · Commencement

Pocketed Anxiety — Final Edits and the Walk to Commencement

The teleprompter is present as an unused technical aid; the Chancellor asks if Bartlet will use it, establishing that Bartlet intends a more personal, un-cued delivery and reinforcing his desire for directness.

Before: Positioned at the podium, turned on as a standby technical device.

After: Left unused as Bartlet relies on his folder and notes; remains at the podium for the ceremony.

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S4E22 · Commencement

A Father's Smile — Zoey's Quiet Photograph

The teleprompter sits unused at the podium but is verbally acknowledged in conversation, establishing that Bartlet will speak from personal notes rather than scrolling text and reinforcing the off‑script, intimate tone.

Before: Set at the podium, unused while speeches are finalized upstairs.

After: Remains unused during the procession; not employed by Bartlet for the address.

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