Presentation laser pointer

Using a laser pointer clearly in a presentation

Use a laser pointer when it will help the audience find a specific detail: hold the dot briefly on or beside the relevant item, explain it, and then remove the light. If the target is hard to find, describe the item aloud or consider simplifying the slide instead of moving the light around the screen. This guide focuses on using a physical pointer or software tool during a presentation; it is not a substitute for general presentation preparation.

First, verify which tool you’ll use

“Laser pointer” can refer to a physical device or a pointer tool in presentation software. Decide in advance which one you’ll use. For a physical device, check the venue’s equipment information or ask the organizer. For example, the University of Washington’s Allen Auditorium page lists a laser pointer and a PowerPoint remote separately among the equipment available to borrow. This information applies only to that venue; it does not guarantee that equipment will be available elsewhere. Review the Allen Auditorium equipment information.

If you plan to use a software tool, check your application’s current help information and presentation view. UW–Stevens Point’s PowerPoint Presenter View guide lists the laser pointer among the tools in that view and explains how to access it. This source does not show that the same menu or behavior is available in other applications. Review the PowerPoint Presenter View guide. If the tool isn’t where you expect, consult your application’s instructions or describe the target aloud rather than searching through menus during the presentation.

When to use it—and when to put it away

A pointer can help show a data point in a dense chart, a location on a map, or a connection in a diagram. If the slide has one clear item, a laser may be unnecessary. To guide the audience through long passages of text line by line, try identifying the relevant part aloud instead of moving the light continuously.

First consider whether the slide itself is clear. WashU Becker Library notes that laser pointers can be distracting; for dense visuals, it also suggests breaking up the content or reducing the visual emphasis of less important data. Take these suggestions as a reminder to consider whether a pointer will genuinely help, not as a rule against using a laser in every situation. Review suggestions for scientific presentation visuals.

How to use it: show, explain, release

• Choose the target in advance. Decide which detail you’ll show. If it’s hard to describe the target, consider editing the slide.
• Give a verbal cue first. Guide the audience with a short sentence, such as “Now let’s look at the change in the second quarter.”
• Point to one spot. Hold the laser dot on or near the relevant item. Explain one point rather than sweeping it around quickly or pointing to many places in succession.
• Remove the pointer when you finish explaining. When the topic changes, stop using the physical device or turn off the software tool. Since how to do this may depend on your device or application, try it out in advance.
• Use a verbal description if needed. If you think the audience can’t find the target, say which part of the chart or where the item is instead of moving the light around faster.

Fictional example: quarterly sales chart

Example slide: A line chart titled “Quarterly Sales by Region,” with four quarters on the horizontal axis, sales on the vertical axis, and lines representing two regions. The values are entirely fictional and are included only as an illustrative example.

Suppose the speaker wants to explain that the Region A line rises in the second quarter while the Region B line falls. First, they say, “In the second quarter, the two regions move in different directions.” Then they briefly point to Region A’s second-quarter point, explain the rise, and remove the light. Next, they point to Region B’s point in the same quarter and explain the decline. Showing the two targets separately can make it easier to follow which points the comparison is based on.

If the lines are close together, the labels are small, or the colors are hard to distinguish on the projector, the laser may not be enough on its own. During rehearsal, check that the chart is readable; if needed, say which line you mean or consider explaining the chart in stages. Also test the pointer’s visibility on the screen you’ll be presenting on.

Common problems

• The light isn’t visible: If you’re using a physical device, check that it’s working and review the venue’s equipment information. If you’re using a software tool, use the application’s own instructions to verify that you’re in the right application and view. If necessary, describe the target aloud to avoid interrupting the presentation.
• The dot shakes or wanders: Try a more comfortable stance and focus on holding the dot still in one place briefly. Find a grip that works for you during rehearsal.
• The audience misses the target: First name the part of the chart, then point to it. Avoid pointing to several items at once.
• The pointer covers the text: If possible, move the dot beside the text. If that’s not suitable, describe the line aloud.
• The pointer is distracting: Remove the light; for the next explanation, consider using a clearer label or a simpler visual.

Rehearsal and final checklist

Rehearse on the screen you’ll use for the presentation and check whether the targets you’ll point to are clear. If you’ll use a physical device, verify the venue’s equipment information; if you’ll use a software tool, try it out in your application in advance. Also rehearse putting the pointer away and continuing your explanation. As a backup, prepare a short sentence describing where the target is.

• Will I use a physical device or a software tool?
• What information about the venue or application have I verified?
• On which slide, and which detail, will I show?
• How will I describe the target if I can’t use the pointer?
• Is the spot I’m pointing to clear on the presentation screen?

For separate preparation on presentation remotes, see the guide to choosing and rehearsing with a presentation remote. The guide to using a laser pointer in PowerPoint may also be helpful.

Frequently asked questions

Should I keep the laser pointer on throughout the presentation?

No. Use it only when showing a specific detail, and remove the light when you finish explaining. A continuously moving dot can be distracting.

Should I stop the presentation if the pointer doesn’t work?

First consider whether you can continue by describing the target aloud. If the pointer is important to understanding the presentation, pause briefly and ask the venue contact or appropriate technical support for help. If you can’t find the tool in your application, check that application’s help rather than guessing the menu path.