A pointer in a presentation is pointless. Whether a laser on the stage or the cursor in an online presentation, there is no point in a pointer. It is pointless. Construct and deliver your presentation such that there is no need for a pointer; it is pointless.
A pointer allows the presenter to highlight segments of a complex image such that the audience can better understand the meaning or complexity. This is pointless. If an image takes longer than three seconds to interpret, it is complex. No-one can understand complex images without focus, space and time. None of these are available within a presentation. To suggest otherwise or even rely on this implicit understanding is pointless.
If an image or data slide is complex it should not be presented in that manner. The use of a laser or cursor to direct the attention of the audience is pointless. Firstly, this requires the audience to be able to see and follow the highlighter. The nature of screens, projectors and audience attention will frequently subvert this attempt early in the interaction. For success, it is essential that the audience is in the same logical space and flow as the presenter. This will never be the case and audience members will seek logic and clarity outwith the path prescribed. This will cause them to be lost and the attempt at clarity will be pointless.
Rather than attempting to “herd cats” the presenter should never project images that require such interpretation. Data projection should never be so complex that it forces the audience to focus or search for understanding. Worse still, the use of pointers to “highlight” words or phrases is patronising to those who can read without following allow and whilst that may not have been the intention it will remind audience members of the use of fingers on printed text as they learned to read. Pointers are pointless, or worse.
Pointers in a presentation should be pointless. Images should be simple and clear. Data should be interpretable without leading the audience and no one needs words highlighted to read them. Pointers are pointless.