Posted on Dec 14, 2019
COL Thomas F.
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As the holidays approach, I'm looking for that special something for my favorite staff officer... me. I am curious when it comes to indoor presentations, which laser pointer does the best job out there for visual clarity and distance? Sometimes I'm in an auditorium and those cheap-o lasers can't be seen. I don't need something that will burn a hole through vibranium, or etch my initials on the moon. I served with a Colonel that had a pointer that switched between red and green - that was cool. The reason was to adjust when you came across a color-blind person, which we did once while briefing a general officer. He couldn't see the red dot from the pointer. That was a first.

I'm all ears. Please be specific with the brand and model if possible. Thanks.
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Responses: 6
Sgt Field Radio Operator
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Edited 5 y ago
COL Thomas F. During my civilian career, I only used a laser pointer a couple of times. I would use appearing or disappearing text to make my points stand out. Many of my meetings would have many attendees so I used the largest text that I could. I tried to keep my meetings to an hour or less when possible. I would attend Flight Readiness Reviews that would drag on for five to eight hours or more. I would keep my portion short and would usually finish in 15 to 20 minutes. Presenters could leave when they were finished, so I usually could leave after two or three hours.

For many years, we had to rely on transparencies, which were a major pain to deal with.
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COL Thomas F.
COL Thomas F.
5 y
Totally agree. My college degree is in instructional design and technology which is how you develop courses from idea to execution and assessment. Back in the early 90s, transparencies was the go-to tech so I'm all up on what you mentioned and 100% agree. However, the pointer is just another tool in the toolbox and a valid item that I like. Whether it's a stick casting a shadow using the over head lamp on the screen, a long pole indicating objects on the wall itself or the laser pointer, these tools have a place. Unfortunately, most people who don't use them effectively turn them into a butt of a joke or something nerds or geeks use. I do however use them as designed, I just need a better one. Glad your out there education your buddies on how to do build and execute a good presentation. I try to do that whenever I can.
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Evans Braun
Evans Braun
2 y
I am sure that every team needs a lot of compelling presentations in order for the world to see their efforts. I had some research and some reference material for my business, so with the help of a reliable resource https://slidepeak.com/ and just turned it into a presentation. It turned out very interesting and creative. All thanks to the professionalism of resource experts. Now, I have no doubt that with such presentations one can always succeed.
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SPC Stewart Smith
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As an IT guy that gives presentations for the latest and greatest releases of our POS(point of sale) software I like to use a presentation laser. I'm that nerd. This is the one I use. It's worth the money. Don't get one of those "ergonomic" garbage lasers that are too tiny and fall out of your hands.
BEWARE: Never point in someones eyes and also beware that you will be called a nerd/luke skywalker/ not this boring class again
https://www.amazon.com/Presentation-Powerpoint-Rechargeable-Hyperlink-Presenter/dp/B07JW8QRNJ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=anysoftwaretools-20&linkId=55d0e [login to see] aaca652e03fcf124e&language=en_US
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COL Thomas F.
COL Thomas F.
5 y
Thanks. I'll check it out. As a techie myself, I'm always up for trying out something new.
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LTC Jason Mackay
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I miss briefing with a hoohah stick
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Kally Alenko
Kally Alenko
>1 y
It seems to me whatever the presentation will be made with. The main thing is to present it beautifully with a text, or rather with an essay https://foundersguide.com/how-to-do-an-attractive-presentation-of-your-startup-plan-in-your-essay/ which will convey the whole main essence of the presentation. If you choose the right words and include the main points in your speech, then it doesn't matter what will be in your hands. Albeit with a laser pointer would look cooler.
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