Do You Need a Presentation Clicker?
Have you ever attended a corporate conference and noticed the slides transitioning seamlessly, while the presenter spoke effortlessly through them? If so, then the presenter probably had a clicker in their hand.
A clicker allows speakers to navigate through slides without the need to pause or look away from their audience. With additional functionalities like laser pointers and timers, presentation clickers (also known as a wireless or remote clicker) have become a vital tool for professional presenters.
If you are thinking about investing in a presentation clicker, there are three points to consider:
1. Where Can You Use a Presentation Clicker
2. The Positives and Negatives of a Presentation Clicker
3. Presentation Clicker Recommendations
1. Where Can You Use a Presentation Clicker
Conferences, Meetings, and Pitches
In corporate scenarios, a presentation clicker facilitates the flow and pace of a presentation, especially if there are multiple speakers. The user can easily move around the room or stage, maintain eye contact with the audience, and reduce the potential for embarrassing silences, whilst clicking ‘next slide’ on a laptop.
Workshops and Training Sessions
A ‘hands-free’ approach during workshops and training sessions can be beneficial, especially if the presenter is showing a hands-on demonstration. Additionally, clickers can integrate with interactive tools, for instance, quizzes and Q&As, thus increasing audience participation, engagement, and enjoyment. The efficiency gained from seamless slide transitions can make the session more effective and dynamic.
Classrooms and Lectures: For modern-day lecturers, standing at the front of a classroom in front of a white board seems archaic. Walking around the room while presenting can help students to feel more involved and present, rather than being talked at. Furthermore, some clickers have a built-in timer, helping to allocate specific amounts of time to different sections of a presentation. Compatibility of clickers with smart boards and online teaching platforms can further enhance the learning experience.
2. The Positives and Negatives of a Presentation Clicker
The Positives:
Mobility: A recurring theme throughout this blog post is how easy it becomes for the presenter to move around a room and engage with the audience, making presentations more dynamic and interactive.
Ease of Use: Most presentation clickers are relatively easy to use, featuring plug-and-play functionality and minimal setup, which is particularly beneficial for those who are not tech-savvy. Intuitive button layouts and user-friendly designs add to their ease of use.
Portability: Presentation clickers are generally compact and lightweight, making them easy to pack and transport along with other equipment. This portability is especially useful for professionals who travel frequently for work.
The Negatives:
Build Quality: Some of the cheaper, more readily available presentation clickers can have poor build quality. Common issues include buttons becoming unresponsive or even falling out. Always check online reviews before committing to a particular make or model.
Reliability: Users often report issues with battery life, especially if the device uses disposable batteries. A low battery can unexpectedly interrupt a presentation, leading to frustration. Managing battery life by carrying spare batteries or opting for rechargeable models can mitigate this issue.
Signal Interference: While most clickers use a stable wireless connection, interference from other wireless devices can occasionally disrupt the signal, leading to lag or unresponsiveness. Selecting clickers with dual-channel frequencies or using them in less crowded wireless environments can help minimise these issues.
3. Presentation Clicker Recommendations
The Logitech Spotlight remote lets you highlight key points in person or via video conference, using its advanced pointer system. It connects via USB or Bluetooth, vibrates to remind you when to wrap up, and works with major software like PowerPoint and Google Slides. It also features an on-screen cursor for easy content interaction.
The NORWII N95s Pro remote offers features like physical and digital laser pointers, highlighting, and air cursor control. It has a 300mAh rechargeable battery, a 165 ft wireless range, and customizable vibration alerts for time management. It's compatible with various operating systems and presentation software.
Overall, when choosing a presentation clicker, it's important to consider the specific needs of the presenter, the environment in which it will be used, and the desired features and budget. Whether enhancing mobility, simplifying use, or improving engagement, the right clicker can significantly elevate the quality of your presentations.
Blog Image - Edwin Andrade