The skill of public speaking is not easy. Helps the speaker to be convincing and effective visualization of what was said through bright and colorful computer presentations. In order to move freely during a speech and go out to the audience, but at the same time remain fully focused on speech, you should have a small thing in your hands - an attribute of an electronic presentation that allows you to control the video sequence that illustrates the verbal material.
Terms borrowed from foreign languages are often not used entirely for their intended purpose due to the free interpretation of their translation. So it happened with the word presenter. In relation to the occupation of a person, it replaced the foreign language "speaker" and "communicator". A presenter (meaning "representative, organizer, presenter") is a person who is responsible for running a public event, conducting a show. Today such specialists as a presenter of international conventions, a web presenter, a fitness presenter and others have the status of a profession. In a broader sense, the word is an informational advertising tool for demonstrating a product. Common concepts are sales presenter, presenter booklet, product presenter. Together with binder folders and brand lists, they designate the various materials used to present the product to a potential buyer. Since the 1980s, when computer software for creating electronic presentation appeared, the term presenter has been used in this area as well.
Presenter = Presenter = Clicker
Based on the general definition of "presenter - something used for presentation or advertising", the name of an electronic presentation was given to software packages used to display information in the form of a video sequence. At the same time, during the presentation, accompanied by a slide show on a large screen, a special accessory saves the presenter from constantly staying next to the office equipment. A remote control for electronic presentation is called a presenter (presenter) or clicker. With this help, you can determine the pace of demonstration of materials, set the duration of slides, make accents and underlines in the right places. A set of techniques can be customized for any performance scenario.
A presenter is an attribute of a good, informative presentation that makes it easier to hold public events, be it a conference, business presentation, lecture or just a business meeting.
Types and varieties
The evolutionary sequence of presentation as a means of accompanying verbal presentation of materials is as follows:
- board with visuals and pointer;
- a projector with slides and a projection screen;
- computer with preinstalled software and video projector;
- showing a presentation via TV or skype, from a smartphone or smart watch;
- interactive three-dimensional system of multimedia presentations.
Among the means of interacting with the audience today is a large arsenal of visual effects, animation, web applications, 3D models and much more. However, a truly effective presentation is one that allows direct communication with the audience. In order to be able to control the video illustration of the verbal material, various manipulators are intended.
In terms of appearance and functionality, electronic presentation controls are classified as follows:
- an ergonomically shaped clicker panel;
- pointer, pen, marker;
- accessory in the form of a keychain or ring.
In what configuration is the remote control tool used by the speaker depends on the requirements that he makes for the visualization of his speech. Sometimes it's enough to just flip through slides containing statistics or infographics at the right time. It happens that you need to pause the show in order to answer a question, or return to what was said earlier. To enhance the impact, the lecturer should be able to emphasize the demonstration materials. He needs to move freely or merge with the audience.
Basic functions
A high-quality presentation with the participation of the speaker consists of a combination of short oral theses delivered by him and vivid visualization of what was said on the big screen. An example of this is the free and effective speeches of the outstanding speaker of corporate America, Steve Jobs. It would be ridiculous if he suddenly said "next slide, please" or an image suddenly appeared on the screen that did not correspond to his key sentence. Unfortunately, this happens when the presentation is controlled by an operator or it is in automatic mode. The optimal model is considered to control the display of video sequences, when the speaker independently adjusts the screen "for himself" during a public speech. In electronic presentation this is achieved due to the capabilities of the means of remote control of multimedia equipment.
In its simplest form, a presenter (clicker) combines three main functions:
one.. Gives the speaker a sense of confidence and ease.
2.. Helps the presenter to grab and hold the audience's attention at the right time.
3.. Provides the user with convenience in "usability" and a certain presentation.
4. Ensures stability and long-range operation of the equipment used.
This is the so-called basic standard that unites presenters of any level and class, regardless of the brand and price segment.
Key features and additional features
Initially, clickers resembled simple remote controls with joysticks. It looked like a cross between a text marker and a small remote control for a TV or music center. They controlled the multimedia projector directly. The presenters, which combine the functions of a laser pointer and a computer mouse, are wirelessly connected directly to the computer. The devices are easy to use, support plug and play technology - they do not require installation of drivers and additional software. The compact command receiver looks like a regular flash drive and connects to a PC's USB port. Most of the current generation of radio remote controls are compatible with Windows and Mac.
There are multifunctional models, for example:
- RICOH interactive pen with two modules (one for a laptop, the other for a projector) works as a pointer / mouse to control the presentation and allows you to make edits during the presentation;
- in the Bundle conference system, the remote control is designed in such a way that it is possible to conduct a demonstration simultaneously from two laptops;
- the trackball inside the presenter allows you to scroll both vertically and horizontally.
In terms of the characteristics of a laser pointer, the most commonly used colors are red and green. The range of visibility of the beam is different: from a minimum 5-10 to a record 200 meters. Such a powerful and bright backlight can be seen on a plasma panel, in bright light and in a sufficiently large auditorium. A remote model such as the Logitech Spotlight turns the lecturer into a light operator - a circle of light is directed to the desired area of the slide and zooms in the captured image.
The presence of an LCD display allows you to monitor the battery charge and the level of wireless signal reception. You can do this visually or by setting up a silent vibration notification. Smart Timer function provides timing. In particular, a countdown is possible, after which the presenter will vibrate. Thus, the speaker can properly organize his speech, he does not worry about a technical failure or violation of the rules.
Initial presenters work over the radio channel at 433 MHz. The communication range of modern, technically more sophisticated models is 2.4 GHz. This provides good noise immunity and a stable signal, as well as increases the accuracy of the response and increases the range up to 30 meters. For energy-saving and long-term use, the remote controls are equipped with automatic standby and deep sleep functions. The range of device capabilities is expanded due to the ability to control such presentation elements as point navigation with icons, clicking on hyperlinks to a website / landing page, volume control, gesture scrolling, and others.
Due to the fact that the functionality of the presenters is very wide, a small gadget can be considered a great helper in conducting an effective, informative and professional presentation.
Popular brands and some know-how
The most popular slide show manipulators are Logitech products. Canon, Kensington, OKLIC, Genius, Doosl, Knorvay and others are just as diverse in functionality and support various presentation software. In addition, there are applications that allow you to showcase your presentation from your smartphone and smartwatch.
Among wearable gadgets, a special place is occupied by miniature devices designed to control gestures. They are made in the form of a ring or wristband that is put on a finger, on which all the necessary options are displayed. The Bird technology ring integrates and analyzes data from multiple sensors in real time: orientation in space, direction of movement, voice commands, position and touch of hands, degree of finger pressure on any surface. The Myo Gesture Control Armband works with PowerPoint, Prezi, Keynote, Google Slides and Adobe Reader. You can simply move your hand to control the presentation, flip through slides and zoom in on images.
