Westside Toastmasters is located in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California

Points About Laser Pointers

Commercial laser pointers were designed to assist speakers when giving lectures or business presentations. The laser pointer beam produces a small dot of light on any object at which it is aimed. It can be an effective tool for drawing an audience's attention to a particular point on a slide or overhead, especially when you're speaking to a large audience and the slide is projected at a great distance.

However, like all other technological advances, it has its down side. It's difficult to hold the pointer steadily focused on the point you're stressing. What happens then is that the laser beam goes jumping around the slide like Tinkerbell flying around the Lost Boys, and the audience gets lost trying to follow the light.

Also, remember that a laser pointer is not a toy. The Laser Institute of America points out that the laser light can pose a risk to the eye if used incorrectly. They recommend:

• Never shine a laser pointer at anyone. Laser pointers are designed to illustrate inanimate objects.

• Do not point a laser pointer at mirror-like surfaces. A reflected beam can act like a direct beam on the eye.

• Do not allow minors to use a pointer unsupervised.