Laserpointer? NO!

First a very expensive toy, laser-pointers are nowadays to be found right at the low end of corporate give-aways.

There are many great uses for a laser-poiner. I found it a very great way to let cats go wild, by just a small movement of the wrist. Cats seem to just love that red dot. Of course, particular caution must be applied to not point to the cat, especialy the cat’s eyes. Same goes for human beeings.

But laser-pointers have not been invented for the pet-shop as accessories. They where intended to serve as an important tool in presentations.

Laserpointer: No!

The basic idea was, that the presenter is able to show an exact position on the slide. Laser-pointers therefore replaced the old bamboo-stick or these nasty little antenna-look-a-likes.  A replacement that is not a benefit, unfortunately. See also the following ad…

I recommend to use either a bamboo stick or have someone move the cursor over slide, and of course make sure that you collect all the laser-pointers in the audience before you start… Here are some reasons against laser-pointers:

• First and foremost, a laser-pointer is never steady. It wiggles around, especially when the user is nervous, and that we are all on stage, right? Same goes when a computer mouse is used, but these can be left alone when at the right position.
• Secondly: A slide that requires a pointer is usually to cluttered. A slide should show one particular idea and be a support for the presenter. Of course, in a training environment, it might be needed to point to several areas in particular. But instead of wiggling a laser-pointer around, every presentation software allows to insert an arrow or other graphical pointer, even animated. If you have to use presentation software at all, use its features, this is a good one.
• Thirdly: If a laser-pointer is used, the speaker must turn away from the audience. There is hardly an alternative to that. When you are sitting in the audience, do you like to see the speakers back?

There are many great alternatives, the best two have been mentioned. For example, you have to present the front-panel of a new generation car-stereo. There are several buttons and dials.

Draw arrows to the items you want to elaborate about. Let them appear and disappear one after the other. That they disappear is important, it prevents cluttering in the slide. Also, do not use fancy and distracting effects.

If you have a co-worker at hand for your presentation, let him do the pointing with the cursor. As mentioned, it is important that the person at the mouse is not resting the hand after setting it at a spot on the slide. Even small movement of the cursor is very distracting.

As a conclusion, get rid of these nasty laser-pointers. They are not help- but certainly harmful for the presentation, and also for pets and kids.

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