Why I Hate Laser Pointers

Hi!

I've often been heard talking about this, so it's about time I blog about it. Here's why I hate laser pointers, though most of these reasons apply to any kind of pointing device:

1) Pointing to the screen tends to require one to face it. This means that the presenter isn't facing the audience. Speaking away from the audience has a significant negative impact on voice projection.

2) Relying on pointers decreases one's reliance on language. Saying "here" and "here" while using a pointer instead of "the figure at the top" and "the chart on the right" makes the presentation less about the presenter and more about the slides.

3) They're a crutch one may not always have. If you're presenting to a virtual (or partially virtual) audience, you may not be able to use a pointer. If you become dependent on them, then you'll be in trouble when they're not available.

Remember that the presenter should always be the focus of the presentation, not the visual aid. Using pointers tends to shift that focus, so please use laser pointers only where they're really effective: as a way to drive your cat nuts!

Thanks,
Matt