Laser Pointer: [ley-zer poyn-ter] an instrument of ambiguous repute, serving either to magnify the effectiveness of a presentation or completely demolish the speaker’s street cred.
Really, their reception is as contextual as light sabers: while watching Star Wars, you’re completely entranced by the skill, anticipation, and reflexes of Luke Skywalker et al. as they wield their mesmerizing light sabers with devastating accuracy. While watching YouTube, however, you’re completely horrified that grown adults are filming themselves fighting invisible foes with expensive-looking light saber replicas in garages across the country. It’s just such a fine line.
So which are you, the Jedi or the pathetic and obsessive adult light saber hobbyist? In presentations, it comes down to content and purpose. If you are using your laser pointer like the bouncy ball that tracks sing-along and karaoke lyrics, guess what? You’re a hobbyist. If you use it for discipline, drawing a bead on audience members who are whispering or drifting off, guess what? Hobbyist.
If, however, you’ve done the homework of organizing complex data into neat, precise charts and graphs; found a unique and clever way of slipping that sterile data into the fabric of an engaging story; and use the laser pointer only to aid in the quick communication of pertinent facts to prevent unnecessary confusion, then good for you: you’re a Jedi. You understand that laser pointers and light sabers are instruments of necessity. You understand that mind control and concise communications are the true weapons of influence. In short, the Force is with you.
The Takeaway: Laser pointers are useful tools, but excess and wanton use can cause an audience to think less of you, and where can you go from there? Use sparingly, and only for simplification and emphasis.
