what is a presentation remote

What is a Presentation Clicker? [And How to Use it?]

By: Author Shrot Katewa

If you are preparing to give a presentation, a presentation clicker can be a very helpful tool! In fact, if you have never given a presentation on a stage before, and you probably just found out that you will need to use a presentation clicker during the presentation, it can make you a bit anxious. This may perhaps make you wonder, what exactly is a presentation clicker?

A presentation clicker (or a presentation remote) is a wireless device that acts as a remote to control the movement of your slides during a presentation. A presentation clicker helps to advance the slides, or move back. Some presentation clickers also have a built-in laser that acts as a pointer.

In this article, I will help you understand a bit more about a presentation clicker, and provide you with tips on how to use it when giving a presentation. Plus, if you are looking to buy a presentation clicker, I shall be sharing some of the best options for you to choose based on my experience.

So, let’s get started!

How Does a Presentation Clicker Work?

A presentation clicker works by connecting to a computer wirelessly using a Bluetooth connection (often using a Bluetooth receiver). Once connected, it allows the presenter to move the slides forward or backward in the presentation mode using the buttons present on the clicker.

Thus, if you are using a presentation clicker when giving the presentation, you can easily move around on the stage and you don’t have to worry about running back to your computer (or asking someone else) to change the slide!

It is important to note that most presentation clickers come with a Bluetooth receiver that is injected into a USB slot on the computer (much like how a wireless mouse is connected to a laptop or a desktop). Furthermore, a receiver is unique to a specific device. Meaning, if you lose the Bluetooth receiver, the presentation clicker will not work!

Additionally, some clickers are designed to work specifically with a special application such as Microsoft PowerPoint. These clickers won’t work with other presentation applications like Keynote and Google Slides. Whereas, some clickers work with most major presentation applications and even with PDF files!

If you are planning to buy a presentation clicker, make sure that you choose one that works at least with Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Keynote!

I’m also going to share with you how to use a presentation clicker, so make sure that you keep reading!

Top 5 Best Presentation Clickers

Sometimes, organizers simply don’t provide the presenter with a presentation clicker. Even when they do, the type of clicker will vary from one event to the other! Learning how to use a different clicker at the last moment can be a bit annoying especially when you are focusing on getting the presentation delivered perfectly!

That is one of the main reasons I carry my own presentation clicker. In fact, I highly recommend you do that too as it really doesn’t cost too much to buy a clicker.

So, let me share with you a few options that you should consider if you are interested in buying a clicker for delivering presentations.

Note – You can also check out the best selling presentation remotes on Amazon. These are usually the most reliable choices in addition to the ones that I’ve tried and reviewed below!

If you are in a rush and want to know which one is the best, my recommendation would be to go with Logitech Spotlight Remote . It is the easiest one to use with a design that requires minimal explanation, and works in a plug-and-play model! It even works without the receiver, that way you don’t have to worry about losing the receiver!

1. Logitech Spotlight Presentation Remote [Most Complete]

Spotlight by Logitech is THE BEST presentation remote out there! It provides you with some of the most unique features. Some of these features include –

• Mouse-like cursor control
• Allows you to not only highlight but magnify elements on the screen (which is pretty cool!)
• Range of up to 100 feet
• Seamless connectivity – it really is seamless as it works even without a receiver via Bluetooth. That way, if you lose the receive it still works! (If you are like me, you’re bound to lose a receiver at some time!)
• Highly compatible – Works with not just Google Slides, but also with PowerPoint, and Keynote. It even works with PDF files and Prezi!

In my experience, the most helpful feature is its design! Other than the Power button, it only has 2 buttons which are used for next and previous slides. That way, you don’t get confused when presenting and end up showing slides that you aren’t meant to!

The best part is that it is not obnoxiously expensive! For all the features that it encompasses, Spotlight is quite affordable.

Check out the latest price by clicking on the button below.

2. Beboncool RF Wireless Presenter [Most Budget Friendly]

The Beboncool is pretty budget-friendly and also has an integrated laser pointer. It is made out of unique ABS material which is environmentally friendly.

To use it, you do not have to install any software. Just plug in and it is ready for some action – which is quite helpful.

It has all the standard features available on the remote. It works with both Windows and Mac. Furthermore, it can also be used with PowerPoint and Keynote along with Google Slides.

The only drawback (if we can call it that) is that it doesn’t come with a battery. So, you really can’t just unbox and use it directly! But, for most people, that shouldn’t be a problem I suppose.

3. DinoFire Presentation Clicker [Most Ergonomic]

DinoFire pointer comes with quite a sleek and ergonomic design. It is comfortable to hold in your hands.

It has 3 clicky buttons and one integrated laser pointer. Some of the other features that it offers are as follows –

• Range of 100 feet
• Wide Compatibility – Works with all Windows operating systems, Mac and Linux. Furthermore, it also works with PowerPoint, Keynote, and Google Slides
• Magnetic USB receiver – this ensures that the receiver doesn’t accidentally fall off.
• 3-year guarantee on USB receiver – this is really cool! If you end up losing the receiver, the manufacturer will replace the receiver for you completely free for the first 3 years! This is one thing that I definitely loved about this clicker!
• Low power indicator – another helpful feature is the low power indicator. This feature ensures that your presentation clicker doesn’t ditch you in the middle of your presentation!

If you are looking for a presenter remote on a budget, I would recommend DinoFire presentation clicker with my eyes closed! Apart from being the most ergonomic, I also feel that this is the best all-round remote on a budget!

4. DinoFire Presenter Remote with Air Mouse [Best Features on a Budget]

The DinoFire presenter remote with remote air is compatible with any USB A or USB type C device.

It is also a future-proof purchase for you as it works with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android. Not only that, this two-in-one receiver will provide you 164 feet of wireless coverage. Besides being a presentation clicker, it can also be used as a mouse!

It actually comes packed with a loads of features! Let’s take a look at some of the most helpful features –

• Rechargeable battery – you will never run out of power on this device as you can just plug it into an electric socket and use it. It takes about 1.5 hours to charge fully and runs for about 8-10 hours on operation.
• Also functions as a real mouse – with a click of a button, you can switch from a presenter to an air mouse!
• Green Light as a pointer – this presentation clicker comes with a green light. The advantage of green light is that it works even with TV screens. It is also far more powerful than a red laser light; thus easily visible.
• High range – Clicker range up to 50 feet, mouse range is about 80 feet, and light range is about 300 feet.
• Battery indicator – it also comes with a battery indicator that starts flashing red when the battery is low.
• Compatibility – this DinoFire presentation remote is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. It also works with Google Slides, PowerPoint, Keynote, and a few other applications.

5. Logitech Wireless Presenter R400 [Best Branded Remote on a Budget]

The Logitech R400 is perfect for professional usage and compatible with all windows versions. It has a strong red laser to highlight your presentation content. The most attractive part is that it has touch-sensitive buttons and 50 feet wireless coverage.

While it does come with most of the standard features, there are a couple of drawbacks to keep in mind though –

• It requires 2 AAA batteries to use
• It is only compatible with Windows

That said, you do get a trusted product with a fail-proof brand name like Logitech at quite a low price point!

How to Use a Presentation Clicker?

As mentioned previously, the presentation clicker will usually have at least the previous and the next button on it.

To use a presentation clicker, first, connect it to the computer. Then, enter the presentation into presenter mode. Finally, press the ‘Previous’ and the ‘Next’ buttons on the clicker to move the slides ahead or back in the presentation. To use the laser pointer, press and hold the laser button.

Using a presentation clicker is actually not difficult at all. So, don’t worry if you have not used it before. That said, presentation clickers usually have their buttons placed differently and it varies based on the model and the brand.

Some clickers come with additional functionality such as converting the clicker into a mouse. It can be annoying when you have to adjust to a presentation clicker every time. However, it is better to spend 5 minutes orienting yourself with the clicker before starting with the presentation rather than committing a mistake during the presentation.

What Else is a Presentation Clicker Called?

There are several names used for a presentation clicker! You may hear other people refer to it as a Presentation Remote, Wireless Clicker, Slide Clicker, PowerPoint Remote, Presentation Pointer among others!

You can rest assured, all these actually mean the same thing!

More Related Topics

• 7 EASY Tips to Make Your Presentation Attractive? [Even for Beginners!]
• Do Presentation Clickers Work with Google Slides?
• Why Do Presentations Make Us Nervous? [With 17 Tips to Overcome it!]
• How to Give a Presentation on Zoom [A Complete Step-by-Step Guide!]
• PowerPoint vs Google Slides: Which is Better? [The ULTIMATE Test!]

Credit to Nakaridore for the featured image of this article

8 Ways To Deliver Better Remote Presentations

Delivering compelling presentations remotely is now an indispensable ability. For many, such a skill does not come naturally — but it can be developed over time. In this article, we’ll share nine tips to help you build and deliver the kind of presentations that will capture the attention of any audience you end up addressing.

Tips For Effective Remote Presentations

1. think about your audience first.

Tailoring your presentation to your audience’s specific needs and interests is crucial for capturing their attention and keeping them engaged. Research their demographics, interests, and knowledge levels to customize your content accordingly and include relevant examples or anecdotes that resonate with their experiences and challenges.

For example, if your audience is a group of virtual students, you should focus more on fun, interactivity, and participation. But if you’re delivering to a corporate client team, you’ll want to remain composed and poised.

2. Make Great Visuals (It’s Easy Now)

Stunning visuals are paramount in remote presentations because they act as an anchor for audience attention. They also ensure accessibility and comprehension for all attendees, as well-designed slides with clear graphics can help bridge language barriers, accommodate different learning styles, and ensure that information is conveyed effectively, regardless of participants’ backgrounds or technical capabilities.

Creating slides from scratch may initially appear challenging, but pre-designed templates can simplify the task and elevate the quality of your presentation. Numerous online platforms offer free PowerPoint templates that can quickly streamline your process.

3. Ask Your Audience Questions

Remote presentations can feel impersonal, but incorporating interactive elements helps keep participants engaged. Polling options, chats, or breakout rooms can all inspire participation and discussion. You can also pose thought-provoking questions, share real-life examples, or conduct live demonstrations to make your presentation more interactive and dynamic.

For instance, if your topic is entrepreneurial success, ask the audience to list their favorite entrepreneurs or name startups that create an impact.

4. Master (Video) Body Language

Nonverbal cues play a major role in virtual communication. Pay attention to your body language during presentations to convey confidence and enthusiasm, as effective use of body language can help you establish rapport and create a connection with your audience despite the physical distance.

Maintain good posture and make gestures when emphasizing points. Smile, look into the camera to create the perception of eye contact, and vary your tone of voice to keep listeners engaged and attentive. You must also wear suitable attire and dress according to the formality (or informality) of the presentation.

5. Pay Attention To The Audience’s Responses (& Adjust)

When presenting remotely, pay attention to the audience’s response to gauge how they’re receiving your message. Watch their facial expressions and body language. Respond promptly to their questions or comments and adjust your presentation to clarify key points if you notice any confusion or concern.

6. Prepare And Rehearse

Imagine delivering your presentation to thousands of people from across the globe. Suddenly, the mic stops working. Your connection drops. What a nightmare! You want to avoid such situations — that’s why it’s vital to prepare properly.

Begin by familiarizing yourself with the platform you will be using. Test your audio, video, and screen-sharing capabilities to ensure everything works smoothly. Additionally, practice your presentation thoroughly to refine your delivery, timing, and transitions between slides or topics.

You can also do a dry run for your friends and family before the big day to ensure a good experience for the audience.

7. Practice Time Management

Plan your presentation carefully to allow sufficient time for each section or topic, allowing for transitions, interactive activities, and audience engagement. Practice delivering your slides within the allotted time frame to stay on track and avoid rushing through essential points. You may want to use visual cues such as timers or agenda slides to help participants track their progress and stay engaged.

8. Seek Feedback

After your presentation, solicit participant feedback to gain insights into their experience and identify areas where you can improve. Use their reviews to refine your content, delivery style, and technical setup for future presentations.

Consider conducting post-presentation surveys or scheduling follow-up meetings to gather input and engage with your audience further. Remember to embrace feedback as a chance for growth.

You might also draft a follow-up email summarizing the main points and inviting further discussion. Share relevant materials, links, or recordings of the presentation for participants to review or share with others. Demonstrating a commitment to ongoing engagement can help reinforce the impact of your presentation and maintain momentum beyond the initial session.

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Best Presentation Remotes for Windows PCs in 2022

What are the best wireless presentation remotes for PC? These are.

If you're giving a big presentation, the ability to move and interact more with your audience is incredibly valuable. If you have to awkwardly stand up behind your laptop the whole time, it's nowhere near as engaging.

You need a reliable presentation remote that connects easily and travels well. Here are our recommendations for the best options for PCs.

Satechi Bluetooth Smart Pointer

Logitech r800, kensington k33374usa.

Why you can trust Windows Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

I work for a well-traveled magician on the side, and we never go anywhere without our Satechi Bluetooth Smart Pointers. He's gone through three brands, and Satechi has always stood out as the best. The remote connects via Bluetooth and has a fantastic range. (We've generally had great luck between 20 and 30 feet).

If you're clicking through a slideshow and need to go back to a specific slide, there's a handy number pad hidden behind a little slide-out door. If you enter the number of the slide, it'll go back for you, which is incredibly handy when music misfires for a magic trick and you need to try to recapture the wonder.

My whole show rides on my presentation triggering properly, and the Satechi remote has been the only one I've used that works every time — Chris Funk, The Wonderist

You can also control music playback, skip tracks and slides, and control the volume of your device, so you don't need to be anywhere near your computer to do what you need to. These remotes are $45 on Amazon and come in black or silver.

See at Amazon

The Logitech R800 features a bright green laser pointer that's easy to see in any room, and the USB wireless receiver should allay any worries you might feel using a Bluetooth remote. With a 100-foot range, you're free to move about as you please without worrying about losing your connection.

The R800 has an LCD display that features a timer, which delivers silent vibrational alerts, so you can keep track of time without having to disengage from your audience. The large buttons are easy to navigate without having to look, and you'll get solid battery life from just two AAA batteries. Pricing starts around $50.

Doosl's presentation remote is a little thicker than a pen, but it'll still fit comfortably in your pocket, and its hook helps it stay in place so you always know where it is. It features a laser pointer, so you can get the whole room focused on what matters, and it has great page-up and page-down support, as well as play, pause, and black screen controls for PowerPoint presentations.

The universal receiver means you can just plug in and go — no driver or pairing is required. Just in case you forget to turn off your Doosl, it features auto standby and "deep sleep" modes to conserve battery. Pricing starts at only $15.

Kensington's $30-ish wireless presenter is designed to be ergonomic, with a comfortable in-hand feel and a simple button layout that allows you to switch back and forth between slides and use the laser pointer without needing to constantly look down at your hand.

The mini USB receiver fits in the remote's housing, so it never gets lost, and you don't need to pair the remote with your computer or install a driver — just plug it in and away you go. The receiver has a 60-foot range, so you'll be able to move about the room with confidence, knowing you'll stay connected.

Aside from its wicked cool name, the DinoFire presentation remote is an awesome, pen-sized device that uses an RF receiver to communicate with your computer. It can control PowerPoint, the whole iWork suite, Word, and Excel, so if you're giving any sort of business presentation, you're covered. And at only around $14, you can grab a couple for the road.

This remote runs on one AAA battery, and that's either convenient because you don't need to remember to charge it, or it's a little inconvenient because you can't just recharge it on the go. The RF receiver has a 98-foot range, so whether you're in a conference room or an auditorium, you're connected and in control.

This wireless presentation remote features a USB receiver, a 39-foot range, and an excellent button layout for presentations where full engagement is key. The forward and back buttons are defined by raised bumps, so you know exactly which way your presentation is going at all times. There's also a blackout mode, so you can cut to black at the end or while you prepare your presentation.

For $15, this remote isn't exactly feature-rich, but according to its Amazon reviews , it's reliable and a great minimalist option. It supports the Office suite, and it has a red laser pointer. And it takes one AAA battery.

What say you?

Do you have a favorite presentation remote? Let us know in the comments below.

Updated February 2018: Added the Beboncool budget option and swapped in the Logitech R800 in place of the R400, since its LCD display is perfect for timed presentations and total control. Also added pricing for each remote.

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Remote presentations: The only guide you’ll ever need.

Yousef "yoyo" abu ghaidah.

• March 31, 2020

Remote presentations have become quite the trend in today’s corporate world. Heck, there are reports that state 4 out of 5 corporate presentations are now delivered completely remotely .

That’s incredible!

It’s clear how today’s technology brought some major conveniences in the way we do business. I mean, why would I spend hours of my time commuting to a location to give a 30-minute presentation when I can do the same thing in the comfort of my own home?

But like all convenient things in life, people take them for granted.

Listen, remote presentations aren’t an excuse to be sloppy. If you’re delivering a remote presentation, then you have to work extra hard to make sure your session’s a success.

Because remote presentations make it easy to lose the one thing that every presentation so desperately needs to be successful: a nurtured human connection.

Okay, I know I sound like a pretentious spiritual guru when I say this, but it’s true.

A key trait for all successful presentations is to treat them like a conversation. And the only way to have a ‘good’ conversation is to make sure the connection between the deliverer and recipient is present.

I know this sounds a bit flaky and intimidating, but don’t worry. In this post, I’ll detail what remote presentations are, establish what makes them effective, discuss their pitfalls, and go over a few tips and tricks to make sure you nail your next remote presentation.

What are remote presentations?

Remote presentations are any presentations that are hosted and facilitated in virtual settings, particularly where the presenter and members of the audience are not physically in the same space.

In most cases, they require an internet connection (I mean, how else are you going to get your slides across?)

Some examples of remote presentations include webinars, e-lectures and web-conferences. Heck, if you’re using a tool like Zoom or Skype to share your screen and go over a set of slides, that counts as a remote presentation too!

Why are remote presentations effective?

Two reasons.

First and foremost, you, as a presenter, have immediate access to anyone, anywhere, at any time. I can’t overstate just how much benefit this can bring to just about anybody in this day and age.

A professor in Mexico can teach students in South Africa over an online lecture.

A management consulting company in Australia can go over their findings with their international peers over a webinar.

A presentation design agency made up of people from all over the world (that’s us, by the way) can present their designs to their clients in Massachusetts ( yep, we did this, too! )

The second reason comes with the benefit of the first. Using remote presentations helps everyone involved cut down on time (no more long commutes or travel requirements) and cost (no more expensive hardware like screens or projectors).

The caveats

While we should recognize the enormous amount of benefit that remote presentations can bring, we also have to recognize their downfalls.

Ignore these at your own peril. They can cause some serious reputable damage. Nobody wants to be the guy that colleagues and clients sigh at whenever a presentation is involved.

Interaction and feedback isn’t easy in the virtual world

When you’re on stage, it’s easy to stop at a point, look at an audience member in the eyes, ask a question, receive a response, expand on the audience member’s answer, and move on with the content.

Let’s take a step back now. Why is the process easy?

A presenter can gauge the reaction of the audience, look at someone who has a facial expression of interest, and engage with that member.

In short: the mode of interaction is easy because the audience member’s facial expression invites the presenter to engage with that person.

Does this all sound complicated? Then consider another, more familiar approach.

You’re on stage, and you make a joke to ease the formal tension in the room and get more people relaxed.

If people laugh, your joke was a hit and you were dead on.

If, on the other hand, the audience is dead silent, then you know your joke didn’t land so well, and you need to work on your comedy routine.

The point is, we’re able to interact with the audience because we’re encouraged to do so. The feedback is immediate, and we’re able implement an approach to our delivery to move the content forward.

Now take these contexts and apply them in a remote presentation setting.

See the problem now?

We’re not able to immediately understand the feedback our audience is giving us. Yes, there are hints and queues we can pick up on (like an audience member typing “haha” in the chat window after you made a joke in the middle of your presentation), but it just isn’t the same thing.

The point is we have to work extra hard to make sure we can both receive some sort of feedback from the audience, and leverage some sort of interaction based on that response.

I’ll go over some of the methods I personally use later in this post.

Technical difficulties suck when you’re remote

My anxiety is at its peak whenever I host a webinar, because my mind comes back to one question.

“What if the internet dies and I leave my audience stranded?”

You might think I’m just paranoid, but give me the chance to validate that fear to show you what I mean.

In early 2019, I co-hosted a webinar with the fine folks at LogMeIn’s GoToWebinar. In that webinar, I was set to give a live (yes, live) PowerPoint tutorial to every person that signed up to attend the session.

Over 1,500 people registered for this webinar. In fact, someone at LogMeIn told me that this webinar was the one that had the most amount of registrants by a large margin.

Can you imagine my internet connection dying half way into the session and leaving every single person who attended that session with nothing? Literally wasting their time and devaluing their busy schedules?

Of course, I’m giving the extreme scenario. But technical difficulties don’t have to be so detrimental. Even the smallest challenges can set your remote presentation up for failure.

Things like choppy videos, awful microphones, slow internet connections and trouble registering for and/or joining the remote presentations can cause some serious harm to your remote presentation’s outcomes.

Sure, technical difficulties can happen when you’re delivering a presentation on stage, too. But I’d argue that these technical difficulties can be mitigated quite easily. Projector not working? No problem, get someone from IT to fix it. Still not working? Fine, give out handouts and use the handouts instead of the slides.

But in the remote world? Things are different. People often don’t have the time (and if I’m being really honest? The skills, too) to fix whatever troubles they’re faced with. Decisions have to be made in seconds, not minutes, and a solution needs to be found ASAP.

Distractions and remote presentations go hand-in-hand

Giving a presentation in a conference room? You have the room, and have total control of the outcomes.

Giving a presentation on stage? The venue’s yours, and you know what you’re dealing with.

Giving a presentation remotely? Things change.

And you know what? I could go on for hours about this. But I think this 43 second video can do all the talking for me.

The experience of this poor soul embodies every remote presenter’s worst nightmare.

I digress. The point is, distractions come far and wide when it comes to virtual presentations.

And to make matters worse: Some of these distractions aren’t even in your control.

I was once pitching a sale to a potential client over a Zoom conference call. In the call, I was going over the proposal slide-by-slide.

I was on my game, hitting point after point. I knew I was really, really close to closing that sale.

And then my neighbor in the apartment upstairs thought it would be good to blast some dubstep music at 100% volume. It was so bad my ceiling literally shook.

I was distracted and frustrated. All I could do was try to keep calm and carry on. Sure, I could have asked her to hold on for a second while I dealt with the issue, but it would be rude to keep her for a whole waiting for 10 minutes in absolute silence.

I apologized profusely, and asked her to schedule the call.

At first, she understood and agreed. But that moment was gone. She wasn’t as inspired as she was when we were engaged in a discussion, and  the potential sale understandably just fizzled out.

The point is this: remote presentations are a lot more susceptible to distractions. Yes, some of these distractions can be in your immediate control. But others, like a lousy neighbor playing awful music in the middle of your conference call, aren’t.

In case you’re wondering, yes. I did confront the neighbor and even filed a noise complaint. I haven’t heard a peep since then. 

Total lack of a voice’s potential

It’s one thing to have a robotic, monotonous voice when you’re on-stage or delivering a session in a closed room.

But an unengaging voice is a whole different diabolical thing when delivering a remote presentation.

When behind a computer screen, an effective voice really matters. It helps build trust, emphasize on key points, create emotional contexts, and even help strategically sequence content.

But when a remote presenter makes no effort to vary his pitch or volume throughout the session? Or worse, doesn’t pause in between key pieces of content?

Then I can almost guarantee you that nobody is going to take that remote presentation seriously.

I’ve been asked to attend a large number of remote presentations in my career. Some of them were mandatory.

And I can tell you, hand-on-heart, that whenever I do take part in these remote session, and I feel that the presenter adopts an absolutely zero-sense-of-creativity approach to his voice?

I stop caring. Immediately.

Sure, I may still be in the session. But I’m only pretending to take part and browsing Reddit instead.

Effective visuals aren’t optional

Let’s be clear about something from the get-go.

To me — and I realize this is biased because I’m the CEO of a presentation design agency, but still — effective visuals are absolutely 100% required when delivering a presentation remotely.

And the reason for that is straightforward: You need to find ways to keep the audience engaged since you don’t have many options available.

I’ve already mentioned that the use of one’s voice is essential when it comes to delivery. But even if you adopt the best voice-related approach in the world, it won’t matter if you present slides like this:

It’s 2020, folks. Nobody has the time for ugly fonts, misaligned pictures and ugly clipart anymore. Everyone wants information that’s easy to process and remember.

And effective visuals help with that. Let’s be honest, wouldn’t you want to look at something like this instead?

How to win at the remote presentation game

Okay, I’m done with the depressing information now.

Let’s go over the tips, tools and strategies that will ensure every remote presentation that you deliver is an outstanding success

Create an environment that allows for remote connection

I get it. It’s hard to make sure that you constantly interact with your audience when you’re dishing out your content remotely.

But just because it’s hard doesn’t mean you can’t do it.

Take the time to set up your virtual space in order to ensure there’s at least some sort of interaction between you and your audience.

For example, when I use a web-conferencing platform like Zoom to host my remote presentations, I make sure that at least half of my participants have a microphone so that the remote presentation is treated as a conversation rather than a lecture-like session.

If I’m hosting webinars, I make sure that every attendee in the webinar session has the ability to engage with my content by typing in the chat box, or taking part in my quizzes, polls and surveys. I even read out some of the answers I receive to make clear that I am indeed listening.

Here’s another trick I use when presenting remotely: I always ask questions as I go through my content. I do this regularly, and I make it a point to not move on until I receive a response.

Oh, and my questions aren’t “Any questions?” either. They’re meaningful, engaging, and help create context.

What I do is something along the lines of this:

"So, how many of you think that you just aren’t creative enough to design something effective in PowerPoint?"

"Chris, I see that you said no in the chat box. Can I know why?"

"Come on Chris, waiting on your answer here, my man! Don’t keep me and 90 other people hanging like that."

Adopting a similar approach highly encourages your audience to become active participants in your session. And there’s nothing more beautiful than that.

Take your designs seriously

Yes, you need to design effective visuals for your remote presentation. It isn’t an option.

You owe it to your audience to make sure they stay as engaged as possible while you’re delivering your material.

I realize that time is money. If you can’t design beautiful slides around your content, and you don’t have the time to do so, then here are a couple of solutions to consider:

Option A: Get a presentation template

Consider this option if your remote presentation is simple and/or more routine. Examples include: status updates and internal meetings.

Get your hands on a decent presentation template . Some are free, some aren’t. The only thing I’d note here is to make sure you get a template that’s effective and from a reputable seller. Trust me, you don’t want to buy an ineffective template .

Looking for amazing PowerPoint Templates?

Check out our premium PowerPoint templates that are so good they got some of our customers a promotion! 

Option B: Get professionals to design your slides for you

Consider this option if your presentation is critical. Examples include: pitch decks, sales proposals, major webinars, virtual summits, etc.

Get a professional or an agency to design your slides for you. This is often a more expensive approach, but it’s well worth it.

Also, try and avoid freelancer platforms like Fiverr, Upwork and 99Designs . You might end up being very disappointed.

If you’d like, our agency can do all the hard work for you . We’ve designed presentations and templates for brands all over the world, from major Fortune 500 companies to one-man startups. So, if you’re up for it, get in touch and we can get a call going.

Check out a presentation designed for Exxon Mobil!

Mitigate the risk of technical issues and distractions with a solid backup plan.

I’m not going to give you some boring fluff like “always be prepared for the worst” because you already know about that cliche junk already.

But I do want to take the time to show you how to be prepared in the event you run into technical faults, or are distracted by things beyond your control.

And it all comes back to this one principle: You have to make sure you have an alternative way to successfully communicate your content.

For me, this means that I have a backup internet connection. If my internet disconnects, I use the mobile hotspot feature on my phone, connect to it, and continue the session.

Similarly, if my computer decides to break down and stall on me, I have my laptop ready to go.

And if both options fail, I make sure that one of two things is actioned immediately. I either:

• Record a video of the content I want to communicate using a video recording service like Loom, and send it to the participants of the session whenever I can, alongside a request to reschedule the session if they’d like, or;
• Immediately have a co-worker take over the session whenever I have to stop the session for whatever reason

Let me be clear, none of these options are ideal, but when everything goes to crap, you have to remember you’re in damage control mode.

The show must go on!

Invest in the right equipment

You know what really hurts a remote presentation experience? These things:

• A slow internet connection which leads to choppy audio and video
• A $2 microphone that sounds like you’re talking into a tube
• A webcam with the picture quality of a 1940’s motion picture
• A less-than-ideal software solution that makes it extremely hard for you and your audience to take part in your sessions

I could go on, but I won’t.

Invest in valuable equipment. Get a decent microphone, a fast internet connection, and a webcam that doesn’t suck. Also make sure that the platform you’re using to host your remote presentation doesn’t have an interface that cavemen can resonate with. 

Use your voice like your life depended on it

Like I mentioned before, the use of one’s voice is essential when it comes to delivering remote presentations.

Do not be afraid to be seen as someone that’s unprofessional, dramatic, or even immature, just because you’re making the effort to engage with your audience.

Excited about something you’re presenting? Elevate your pitch and get that excitement recognized. Trust me, it’s contagious.

Conveying something a little more serious? Pause frequently to let your message sink in.

Telling a joke to ease tension? Chuckle at the end of it to signal that you’re making things comfortable for everyone.

Make your passion known.

Don’t be your own distraction

One time, I attended a webinar where some CEO of a SaaS company was going over his latest product that was set to be launched soon.

I absolutely hated it.

He did everything right. He used his voice well, his visuals were decent, the video was smooth as butter, and the audio quality was perfect.

But every 30 seconds, he’d cough or clear his throat, and it felt like a knife was stabbing my ears.

Every. 30. Seconds.

It was torture.

I really feel bad for the guy, because I know it wasn’t intentional. Still, his experience led me to write this section.

Please realize that when you’re delivering a remote presentation, you are the center attention during that time. Everything you do can be heard (and in some cases, seen). Be conscious about the subtle things.

And for God’s sake, have a bottle of water with you or something.

Don’t go for the safe approach every single time

Please don’t adopt a cookie-cutter approach all the time.

Be creative. Find things that will make your audience remember you and look forward to your next round.

Using things like games and contests can elevate your remote presentation to new heights! And they don’t even need to be complicated. Something as simple as “The first attendee to tweet something with #ThisHashtag doesn’t pay for lunch next week” will do just fine.

Even better: Leverage other software solutions into your remote presentations! When I facilitated a virtual presentation design workshop with Konami Gaming, I had every attendee use a whiteboard that I hosted on Miro to compile their ideas. I then went through each and every one of these ideas to give merit to the discussion.

Put a face to the name (optional, but recommended) 

This one’s subjective, but I’ll mention it anyway.

It’s always a good idea to have a webcam ready if you’re giving a remote presentation. Allowing your audience to watch you go through your material helps put them at ease.

This makes sense. Putting a face to the name makes the whole experience feel more human-like.

And if nothing else, it helps establish trust. A smile can go a really long way. Trust.

You’re ready!

Did you go through everything in the post?

Good. Now you’re ready. You know exactly what remote presentations are, their major drawbacks, and ways to overcome any obstacles thrown at you.

Thanks Yoyo, very nice information. I have read every letter, right away, even when it is past my bedtime. This information will come in handy the next weeks. Good tips on what not to do and how to actually deliver a good remote presentation.

Thanks Tom!

one more thing I’d like to add which makes a huge difference. STAND while you’re making your presentation. It will automatically improve the sound, gives you more energy and stamina. I got a standing desk for that reason and it’s been a game changer.

Thanks Yoyo, good things to consider.

Thanks Shaun!

Oh Absolutely, Erica!

Remote Presentations can be really challenging. But I think with the help of this guide, I can actually get the maximum benefits.

How do you feel about animations and transitions in remote presentations? Will the effects be jerky or smooth? Even if the presenter has good internet, could the end user be affected?

Got a project for us?

© Slide Cow. All rights reserved.

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Presentations: Choosing a Presentation Remote Control

If you deliver digital presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint or other presentation software programs, how do you advance to the next or previous slide? You can move forward to the next slide with the keyboard or the mouse or even have someone else help you, but this can be awkward or keep you locked in near your laptop. For more professional results, use a presentation remote control to easily navigate through your slide shows.

Presentation Remote Features

Many projectors come standard with a remote, but features vary and may not always be easy to use. A better choice is to use your own personal presentation remote control. When evaluating a remote, look for these features and decide what is important to you:

• Simple to use. In most cases, a smaller, ergonomic remote is easy to use but test it before buying. One of my friends loves her small remote, which is only about the size of a flash drive. The tradeoff is she needs to press 2 buttons together to make the screen go black, a feature that doesn’t always work.

I was reminded of the importance of an easy-to-use remote when I watched an excellent presenter pull out a huge remote that looked like a price scanner gun from Home Depot. As he fumbled with a large panel of buttons, the remote dropped to the floor and broke open with batteries flying across the stage.

• Transmit distance. Remotes operate with three different technologies: RF (wireless radio frequency), IR (infrared), and Bluetooth. There are also smartphone apps that can turn your device into a remote via WiFi or Bluetooth connections. A huge drawback with IR remotes is that you need to point the mouse directly at the receiver for it to work. You won’t likely find these anymore unless your office has some “old school” technology. Bluetooth and RF remotes have a range of 50 to 100 feet. With some remotes, you can have your back to the laptop and move to the middle of an audience. What do you need for your presentations?
• Built-in mouse. Some presenters will sacrifice a bit in size to get a built-in mouse; usually, a small button like you see on some laptops. Other remotes have a trackball or a touchpad. I prefer a separate wireless mouse that I use for portions of my presentations. I find a built-in mouse to be too awkward, but it might be great for your purposes.
• Visible laser pointer. If you’d like a built-in laser pointer, make sure to test it for visibility and practice moving it slowly. Some of the pointers have such a small laser dot that it doesn’t show well on screen. Would an animation be a better way to highlight parts of a slide or a process?

While you can locate some remotes at your local computer store or office supply outlet, your best option may be to find someone who has a remote and try it out. A popular Bluetooth remote is the Logitech Spotlight Presentation Remote which has a range of up to 100 feet. Although pricier than other remotes, the Spotlight has an advanced pointer to highlight, magnify, or pinpoint areas of focus with a digital laser. My current presentation remote control is the Logitech Professional Presenter R800 which includes a green laser and a cool timer that vibrates to tell you when your presentation time is up. The R400 model is also ergonomic and easy to use. I also often use a very simple finger ring remote ( www.amazon.com ) which makes it easy to discreetly navigate presentations while still offering the features of more robust presentation remote controls. Yes, I’m nerdy enough to actually pack two remote controls in my laptop bag.

There are many other models and brands to consider. Personally, I don’t like remotes loaded with tons of features that you might not need; these remotes are typically bigger or more complicated to use. Remember, you should be using a remote so that you don’t call attention to the technology and your audience can focus on your content.

Tech Options for a Remote Control

With Bluetooth technology, you may already have a presentation remote control on your wrist or on your desk. Some presenters leverage their wearable tech and use their Apple Watch to control a slide presentation. Other options include running a presentation from your smartphone or iPad. Check with your IT support department or tech-savvy colleagues to see if this is a good option for your presentations.

Practicing with a Remote Control

After you choose a remote, practice with it before you use it. Don’t just try it at your desk, you need to also set up your laptop and remote and actually run through your presentation. The first time I did this, the screen kept going black, or I would accidentally advance to the next slide. The problem wasn’t with the remote; it was that I was holding my presentation handout in the same hand and accidentally hitting a remote button through the handout. An easy adjustment but not obvious if my only rehearsal was in my office.

I personally like to choreograph my slide actions into my presentation notes to avoid looking back at the projection screen to check my location. Or, set up your laptop in the meeting room so you can glance at the screen and still keep the connection with your audience.

Rehearsing with your remote should be a built-in part of your presentation rehearsal to avoid distracting your audience and accomplishing the goal of communicating your message.

Bonus Tip: Always bring extra batteries; many speakers change out batteries for every presentation. If possible, label the remote or put several business cards in the carrying case in the event that your remote is misplaced.

© Dawn Bjork, MCT, MOSM, CSP®, The Software Pro® Microsoft Certified Trainer, Productivity Speaker, Certified Speaking Professional

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A Deep Dive Into Virtual Presentations

Head of Product at Gloww

• Published on November 1, 2023

Virtual presentations are becoming increasingly common. With more businesses now embracing remote work, they’re an unavoidable adaptation that is essential for onboarding , employee development , and more. However, it’s not as straightforward as transplanting in-person presentation scripts into the virtual world. If you want to host virtual presentations that strike the right note, you need to think carefully about readying your material for online audiences. 

What is a virtual presentation? How can you keep online audiences engaged? These are the questions you should be asking yourself if you want to make effective use of the virtual format. 

How Are Virtual Presentations Different From Regular Presentations?

While the ultimate goal of virtual presentations is the same as in-person presentations, there are a lot of differences between the two formats . For starters, there’s generally less performance involved. When delivering an in-person presentation, a lot of focus is placed on keeping an audience engaged . A good presenter needs to be comfortable with public speaking and a master when it comes to body language. 

When presenting online, there’s far less pressure when it comes to performance. This is despite the fact that a presenter may be broadcasting to dozens, if not hundreds of people. An effective virtual presentation is generally more informal and relaxed. 

However, there are some downsides to delivering a presentation online. One of the biggest issues that presenters face is that they’ll have to contend with more distractions than if they were presenting to an in-person audience. These same distractions are what can render a standard conference call a challenge, and presenters often have to work extra hard to maintain audience engagement. 

What’s more, while the usual presentation skills aren’t always necessary, different proficiencies come into play. Body language doesn’t read as well when presenting online, but a speaker will still need to project a message virtually. Tone of voice is crucial, and a speaker needs to consider pauses carefully. Additionally, it’s important to constantly engage the audience if you want to maintain their interest levels. Relying too heavily on slides or failing to interact with an audience is a surefire way of dooming a virtual presentation to failure. For some inspiration you can find our employee engagement calendar on our blog too.

Why Are Virtual Presentations Important?

If your business operates in the virtual space and your teams are working remotely, you need to be thinking seriously about virtual presentations . It’s simply not practical to bring remote teams together for in-person training and team-building exercises, especially if employees are dispersed across the globe. 

Virtual presentations can be used as a learning tool to develop your workforce and introduce them to new ideas and ways of working. Some businesses utilize digital training documents for this purpose, but there’s little scope for interactivity here. With virtual presentations, you’re giving yourself the chance to connect with remote teams . As well as being a powerful tool for communication and instilling a sense of company culture , a live virtual presentation provides you with the chance to gauge engagement and understanding levels. 

How Do You Create a Virtual Presentation?

Is this your first time staging a virtual presentation ? Adapting your in-person approach to the virtual world might seem like a good idea, but you won’t achieve good results this way. To make your next virtual presentation a success , we’ve put together some handy tips. 

Start with Your Content 

This is the most important thing to consider when readying your presentation material for an online audience . While the bare bones of your in-person presentations can be used, they’ll need to be refined for the virtual space. Are you delivering training content to an online audience? All the key information can be captured here, but make sure it’s accessible and not overbaked. Is your presentation more client-facing? Make sure you’re capturing key selling points and considering what can be shared in other formats. 

Think About Your Slides 

Cramming too many slides into your presentation is a guaranteed way of sending your audience to sleep. If you want to maintain high engagement levels, keep slides sparse . During an in-person presentation, it’s easy to read the room and elaborate on complex slides if you feel the need to. When presenting online, this isn’t always possible. If your presentation has to be slide-heavy, try and stick to a single slide for every minute of speech. Ensure the slides you are using are concise and capture key information. 

Focus On Your Audience 

When presenting to an audience, you need to constantly reaffirm the fact that the information you’re discussing is relevant to them. Reading body language and audience responses can be a little tricky when presenting online, but keeping the focus on participants is crucial if you want to achieve good results. Regular interaction is a good way of keeping presentation material focused on your audience. Make a point of underlining how what you’re talking about applies to them and how it can help them achieve their everyday goals. 

Even if the material you’re covering in a presentation is pretty dense, you need to remain lively and dynamic to capture audience attention. Avoid leaning on your slides too heavily and make sure you’re not bound to a script. A little deviation can work wonders for audience engagement. 

Involve Your Audience to Avoid the Ringelmann Effect 

The Ringelmann Effect is something you might encounter if you’re presenting to a large audience. The bigger an audience gets, the less likely it is that individual participants are going to engage. By constantly involving your audience, you can overcome this. If you need to bring a hypothetical scenario into play , put someone on the spot. This way, everyone’s kept on their toes and constantly braced to interact. 

Remove External Distractions

While there’s not much you can do to ensure participants aren’t dealing with their own distractions, you can eliminate distractions from your presenting environment . Make sure your schedule is completely cleared to avoid any unwanted phone calls or interruptions. Are you presenting from an office location? Let anyone who is sharing your space know you need complete quiet so you can concentrate on delivering the best virtual presentation possible. 

Be Enthusiastic 

Even if the content of your presentation is on the dry side, you need to be able to sell it to your audience . If you’re not animated and engaged with the material, you can’t expect your audience to show an interest. Familiarizing yourself with presentation content will go a long way in ensuring you can deliver a lively and passionate event for participants. 

Professional Surroundings and Backgrounds 

No matter how animated you are during a presentation, you’ll still need to keep things professional . A low-key background will not only eliminate distractions but set the right tone for learning and development. Here’s our list of best backgrounds .

Best Virtual Presentation Tips

Now you’ve created a compelling outline for your virtual presentation , you’ll need to work on your presentation skills and deliver a memorable event. Below are some handy tips to get you started. 

Proper Webcam and Lighting 

Production values count when it comes to virtual presentations. A standard laptop webcam probably isn’t going to cut it if you want to make the right impression. An external webcam is therefore a must. You’ll also want to play around with lighting to make your presentation as effective as possible. 

Check Your Internet Connection 

Technical issues are sometimes unavoidable. However, even the slightest lag can render a virtual presentation pointless. Check your internet connection ahead of time to ensure you’re not going to have to contend with this issue. 

Talk to the Camera

It’s tempting to check the reactions of your online audience, but this isn’t really practical if you’re delivering a presentation to a large number of people. Rather than work overtime in an attempt to make a personal connection, talk to the camera instead. This gives you the best chance of making a connection with everyone who’s watching.  

Use Body Language 

Body language is very important when presenting online. While you won’t be able to make eye contact with individual audience members and use the space around you, you can make use of hand gestures and facial expressions to strengthen your message. However, remember to keep things simple.  

Engage Your Audience Members 

If you’re planning a longer virtual presentation or covering a lot of key topics, you need to make sure your audience is engaged . Constantly reach out to participants to hammer out specifics with examples or use quick-fire quizzes to keep everyone engaged. You can even use one of the 49 icebreakers to spice things up .

Be Yourself 

Authenticity matters when presenting online. It’s particularly important if you’re an employer presenting to remote teams. Make sure the persona you’re projecting is true to the one you’ve already established. The more authentic you are, the more credible your message will seem. 

What is the Optimum Amount of Time You Can Keep People Engaged Online? 

Most people will struggle to remain engaged with a single topic beyond five minutes. Your presentation is going to be longer than this, so avoid dwelling on specific topics for too long. For best results, try and keep your overall presentation no within 45 minutes . 

How Often Should Your Audience Share Their Thoughts?

Reach out to participants once every five minutes or so. You can ask individual participants to reflect on topics you’ve just covered, or break things up with more interactive elements like quizzes and polls. 

How Many Presenters Should There Be in a Virtual Presentation? 

With shorter presentations, it makes sense to keep things simple with a single presenter. If you’re planning a longer event and want to keep things as dynamic as possible, consider using two or three speakers. 

Host Your Next Virtual Presentation with Gloww 

Ready to unlock the potential of virtual presentations? Whether you’re presenting to prospective clients or need to reach out to remote teams, virtual presentations are the way forward . However, you’ll need a reliable video conferencing solution to stage a successful virtual presentation. 

With Gloww, you have everything you need to deliver memorable presentations that strike the right note with audiences. You can adapt your existing presentation material for the virtual space or explore brand-new elements to bring interactivity to your sessions. Add existing slide decks to readymade templates, make things more interesting with polls and quizzes, or integrate multimedia assets to take your presentations to a whole new level. You can get started with Gloww today. If you want to learn about Gloww can help you fine-tune your virtual presentations, explore our pricing plans , and discover more about our premium features. Do you still have questions about Gloww? Get in touch with the team.

Want to learn more? Here’s everything you need to record your meeting , a template for your monthly business review meetings , virtual meeting etiquettte , and all about how video conferencing works .

Ben Aflalo heads Gloww's product team with over two decades of leadership experience. Passionate about leveraging innovative technology, he is committed to building products for the greater good.

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