Presentation Clickers

A presentation clicker, also known as a presentation remote, is a handheld device that lets you control your presentation slides remotely. It enables you to advance slides without needing to stay near your computer, giving you the flexibility to move freely during your presentation.

Why Use a Presentation Clicker?

A presentation clicker gives you the freedom to move around the stage, rather than being confined to the podium to manually advance your slides. This mobility helps you engage better with your audience and deliver a more dynamic presentation.

Even if you prefer to remain at the podium, a clicker is still a handy tool. Holding the remote allows you to rest your finger on the "next" button, freeing you to use gestures without needing to fumble for the keyboard mid-presentation. This convenience results in smoother slide transitions and a more polished delivery.

Do You Really Need to Buy One?

Many conferences provide a shared clicker for speakers, which eliminates the need to purchase your own. However, there are some potential downsides: you might not be familiar with the device they provide, or the event might not offer one at all. To avoid surprises, you can always check with the organizers in advance. For those who prefer the peace of mind of using their own device, buying a personal clicker is an affordable and practical option.

Which Presentation Clicker Should You Buy?

I personally bought a clicker for just 13 EUR on Amazon. It’s compact, easy to use, and perfect for the occasional presentation:

Image of the clicker model that I purchased from Amazon

If you search online for “presentation clicker” or “presentation remote,” you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly options, usually around $20 or less. Choose one that suits your needs and enjoy the added confidence and convenience it brings to your presentations.

For more tips and tricks about giving conference presentations, check out my latest book: Tech Talks: How to get started speaking at technical conferences which is available for purchase on Payhip: https://payhip.com/b/vxD0b