Laser pointer for presentations: choose and use it like a pro

Red or green for a presentation?

Red is the classic presentation colour. On a projector screen it is clear and calm, and it does not overpower your slide. In a meeting room or classroom it is usually the most comfortable choice. Green looks several times brighter to the eye at the same class 2 output. Choose green for a large lecture hall, a bright room, or a big screen where a red dot gets lost. Violet is less suited: it looks dim on most screens.

One thing to know: on LCD and LED screens and televisions any laser dot is harder to see than on a projector screen, because the screen surface reflects light differently. Stand at an angle to the screen and keep the dot slow and steady.

Our recommendations

Present a few times a month? A pen on AAA batteries such as the M1 is all you need, and you can pick up batteries anywhere. Present every day? A rechargeable model saves money and the embarrassment of a flat battery mid-sentence. The R1 Pro adds safety keys, which is useful when the laser stays in a school or shared office.

For conferences and big events, think about the size of the room as well as the screen. In a hall with a hundred seats or more, a green dot is noticeably easier to follow for the people at the back, and it stays visible when the stage lighting is up. In a boardroom or classroom, red keeps things relaxed.

Please note: our lasers are pointers only. They do not have buttons to change slides, so if you want a wireless presenter with slide controls, use it alongside your laser pen.

Seven tips for using a laser pointer on stage

1. Point, then switch off. Use the dot to highlight, not as a permanent cursor.
2. Circle slowly around the item you are talking about, or underline it. Fast movements are hard to follow.
3. Brace your hand against your body or the lectern if you tend to shake when nervous.
4. Face the audience and glance at the screen, rather than talking to the slide.
5. Never sweep the beam over the audience – not even when walking around. Release the button before you turn.
6. Test before you start: check the battery and see how visible the dot is on that particular screen.
7. Keep spare batteries or a charged cell in your bag. Spares are on laser pen batteries.

Safety in the lecture room

Class 2 lasers are low power, but they are not toys. Never aim at the audience or anyone's eyes, keep the laser away from children in a school setting, and switch it off when you put it down. For schools, a lockable model like the R1 Pro is a good habit. Full rules on laser pointer safety. Choosing between colours? Read red vs green laser pointer or browse red laser pens.