Mobile phones are a part of our existence. They have real value but can significantly affect presentations. Be aware of these issues in the planning and delivery of presentations. Mobile phones can be used actively within a presentation but most often cause or reflect problems.
Every member of the audience likely has a mobile phone. These phones can be used positively for online polling, downloading handouts, or attendance monitoring. Be cognisant that such uses mandate that every single phone is easily available, charged, suitably technologically advanced and enabled, connected to data services, and turned on. All of these factors consume time which will affect the impact of the chosen function. That quantity time is always under-estimated and must be balanced against perceived value in planning. All of this, plus the integration with software and display must be established. Then the technology must work flawlessly. If any of those factors prevents an audience member from using their phone they may be disenfranchised and even excluded.
Presentations should not be constructed to encourage audiences to take photos of individual slides. Offer the download of the slideset at the end of the presentation using QR codes or URL shorteners. This can be displayed during questions. If a phone rings during a presentation, try not to bring attention to it; the recipient is already embarrassed enough. Clearly, your own device should be silenced, better still, not on the stage.
Mobile phones are a distraction. Push notifications offer or even encourage audience members to change their focus. Of course, there may be urgent messages received, but in reality, the number of heads bowed over phones is a direct measure of the engagement of the audience. Only a tiny minority are using their mobile phone for note taking or live sharing on social media. Offering the opportunity to utilise a phone for positive reasons as above risks, nay directs, the quick check of social media, emails etc. Limit the distraction of mobile phones.
Mobile phones have value in presentations but can be hugely distracting. Be careful of disenfranchising or disengaging the audience by active use during a presentation. Ensure appropriate time and resource is allocated if they are required.