You are presenting to a room full of decision makers. You want to draw attention to a specific number on a complex slide. So you grab the laser pointer and... it trembles. Unless you are a super fit sports cannon, that little red dot will shake visibly on the screen.
Not exactly the image of confidence you were going for.
The problem with laser pointers
Beyond the trembling, laser pointers have several practical issues. They only work in physical rooms, not in virtual meetings. They require you to hold a device and aim precisely while talking. And they add no lasting emphasis: the moment you move the pointer, the highlight is gone.
They also signal a deeper problem: you built a slide that is too complex to speak for itself.
The better alternative: built-in highlights
Add a red circle, an arrow, or a color highlight directly into your slide. Build it into the presentation as an animation step if needed. Click, and the emphasis appears exactly where you want it, every time.
Why this works better
Professional appearance. No trembling, no searching for the right spot, no fumbling with equipment. The highlight appears clean and precise.
Minimal preparation. It takes 30 seconds to add a circle or highlight to a slide. That small investment pays off every time you present.
No dependency on external equipment. Works in the boardroom, on a video call, and when someone views your presentation on their own. The highlight is always there.
Consistent delivery. Every time you present this slide, the emphasis is identical. No variation, no errors.
When a pointer still makes sense
Live demonstrations with complex visuals that change frequently, like software demos or interactive dashboards. In those cases, a pointer (physical or virtual) can add value.
The verdict
Build your highlights into the slides. Leave the laser pointer in the drawer. Your presentations will look more polished and your message will land with more precision.
This is article #11 in the "Either/Or?" series.
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