Have you been in a presentation where the speaker is using a laser pointer?
This could be in person or online.
You see that little red dot shakily attempting to underline a phrase, whizzing from one side of the screen to the other, and even twirling in circles.
Have you ever considered how strenuous this is on the audience’s eyes?
It even makes some people dizzy or nauseous.
But many presenters believe they need to use a laser pointer for clarity.
Not true.
Here’s what to do instead:
1. Minimize the text on your slides
Your slides are to support what you’re saying, not to replace it. When you have lots of text, your audience often starts to read that and stops listening to you.
2. Consider your audience’s eye movement
For English presentations, most people’s eyes naturally move from top left to top right and gradually from top to bottom. Be sure to design your slides and talking points with that order in mind. That way, the flow is intuitive and you ease the burden on your audience’s eyes.
3. Guide your audience in where to look
If you have multiple elements on one slide, use phrases like “As you can see in the top left” or tell them a number, color, or shape, so that they know where to look next.
Use these three tips to get your message across clearly without straining your audience’s eyes.
That’s less effort for your audience and more impact for you!
Oh, and the most effective use for a laser pointer…?
I find it’s great to entertain my cat!
(Serious note: Do take care when using a laser pointer never to shine it into the eyes of animals or humans.)
Do you find it difficult to communicate clearly, confidently, and convincingly in English presentations? Watch the 2-min video below to find out how to change that.
