When someone invites me to be the lecturer at their conference, they usually get a list of questions from me first. Questions that help me prepare myself for the lecture and to create the unique experience for the audience.
At first, these questions cause panic and fear among the organizers, but they soon realize these questions can help them prepare themselves better for the organization of the conference.
A quality presenter (remote, pointer, clicker – call it what you will) can make a good presentation even better. It lets you control slides, emphasize key points, and connect with your audience, making it an essential tool.
Perhaps because we all assume that there will be a quality presenter/remote available, we often leave this important question until the last moment:
“What kind of presenter will be available at the conference?”
Questions I Like to Ask
- Will a presenter be available?
If not, should I bring my own? Actually, am I allowed to? - Will a laser pointer be visible to the audience?
On large LED screens, increasingly common in modern venues, the laser dot isn’t visible, making such pointers ineffective. - Can I use my own presenter?
I’ve been using the Logitech Spotlight for years because it offers features that laser pointers simply don’t – from zooming into specific parts of the screen to scrolling and even dimming unnecessary areas of a slide. - Will the presentation be shown on multiple screens or streamed online?
If the talk is in a large hall with multiple screens or being streamed live or recorded, laser pointers are useless since they’re not visible to either the audience in the hall or those watching online or later.
Why Is a Presenter So Important?
Most conferences provide standard laser pointers, and the classic Logitech laser presenter, shown on the left, has been a staple in presenters’ hands for years. It works great in smaller rooms with projection screens where the laser dot is visible.
But what happens when you step into a modern venue with huge LED screens? A laser pointer becomes ineffective because the audience can’t see what you’re pointing at.
This is why I always bring my Logitech Spotlight, shown on the right. What’s so special about it? It allows me to:
- Start and stop the presentation.
- Move slides forward and backward (move away, nothing groundbreaking here).
- Click on reports or links on websites.
- Scroll through tables and long reports, which is especially helpful when showcasing analytics results.
- Highlight parts of the screen using zoom or “spotlighting,” making it clear to the audience what I want them to focus on.
- Receive a vibrating time alert. When I need a reminder about how much time I have left, the Spotlight vibrates discreetly in my hand – no need to check my watch.
If you frequently present in venues with multiple screens, prepare online courses, or have timed presentations, this kind of presenter is invaluable. As shown in the cover image, when I use this presenter to highlight a part of the screen, it’s visible on all screens, including to online attendees. I also often use it when recording online courses, as such highlighting isn’t possible with a “regular” laser pointer.
Recommendations for Organizers
- Invest in high-quality presenters.
Modern presenters offer advanced features that enhance the professionalism of presentations and make life easier for speakers. - Ensure a strong signal.
Place the computer controlling the presentation close to the stage or use signal boosters. Audiences don’t want to see a presenter waving with their hands, trying to “catch a signal.” - Avoid outdated equipment.
Ancient remotes that only move slides forward and backward aren’t up to modern presentation standards.
My Tips for Presenters
- Always bring your own presenter.
Just as singers bring their own microphone, presenters should have their own clicker. You can rely on it in any situation. - Learn the advanced features of your presenter.
Test all its functions before your presentation or at least the basics. Learn what it can do so you appear natural – and maybe even achieve a “wow” effect. - Only highlight what’s important.
Use your presenter to emphasize key parts of your slide. Don’t overuse it like a toy, constantly pointing and highlighting things. Audiences appreciate focus, and excessive pointing can cause discomfort or even headaches. - Be ready to improvise.
If the presenter doesn’t work, improvise: use your hands or ask the technician to move the slides for you.
Conclusion
A presenter isn’t just a gadget; it’s an extension of your performance. Make sure you have a quality device with you and are prepared for any technical challenges. Your audience deserves the best, and you deserve a tool that helps you deliver it.
Take a look at other questions for conference organizers, which help me prepare myself for the audience.
Also, if you want me to help you organize your event or to hire some great speakers, do no hesitate to contact me 🙂