The Mobile Presenter

Keynote for iOS has come a long way if you compare it with the very first version that came out with the original iPad back in 2010. Probably the most important feature that Apple added later was supporting a remote control.

However, this feature only works with the Keynote Remote app running on another iOS device. You can not use a regular remote control with iOS devices. That is, you could not do that until now. Enter the Satechi Bluetooth Smart Pointer.

The benefits of using a remote control (also called "clicker" or "presenter") to control the advancement of slides in presentation software should be obvious. Mainly, that you can be far away from your laptop and therefore better interact with your audience (instead of with your equipment).

Have you ever wondered how such a remote actually works?

When you look into creativity and innovation, you'll inevitably come across improvisation theatre. Since this isn't a topic I know a lot about, I recently read the classic "impro" by Keith Johnstone. This book (and topic) doesn't seem to have a lot to do with presentations, but bear with me for a moment.

So I wrote a checklist of things that you should take with you to your presentation. Here's how I handle that.

I originally started this blog to document my search for the best (for me) portable equipment that would allow me to give presentations easily without having too much to carry around. I soon settled on an iPad and haven't looked back since (although I'm still keeping an eye out, in case even lighter alternatives would show up).

So you've prepared your presentation, rehearsed it, and you're ready to give it to your audience. Did you check what else you need to bring with you?

If you haven't heard from the organisers, the default at most events is still that the speaker will bring his or her own device, usually a laptop, with them.

What else do you pack? Here's a checklist: