What are two of the most important pieces of advice a speaker gets? At the top of my list: Timing. Staying within your time budget will certainly please the audience and conference organizer. Additionally, knowing you don’t have to rush through your talk helps keep you stress-free, allowing you to deliver a relaxed, well-paced speech. Also high on the advice list: Get out from behind the podium. Be free and move about! Even if you’re presenting visuals, you’re part of the show, too — a rather important part.

I’ve always been a believer in wireless/cordless presenters, the battery-powered remote control devices you use to remotely control your presentation. A small USB transmitter/receiver plugs into the computer and you control your presentation wirelessly from across the room. I’ve owned a few of these, but when I purchased the highly-rated Logitech Cordless 2.4 GHz Presenter last year, I knew I had found the new "best in class" of wireless presenters.

The Logitech is small, unobtrusive and not distracting in the presenter’s hand. Though small in form factor, the Logitech packs the critical features you need, including flawless wireless control up to 50 feet away. (No software is needed — just pop the USB plug out of the main unit, plug it into the computer, and you’re ready to go.) The buttons are comfortable and intuitive (start/end slideshow, slide forward/back, black screen, volume control) . An integrated red laser pointer keeps you from fumbling for a second device. And best of all, the Logitech masterfully integrates a nicely visible LCD countdown timer, which provides discreet, vibrating warnings at 5 and 2 minutes remaining. No more setting your watch on the podium, or worse, looking at your watch during your presentation. I’ve found this feature has rescued me from all sorts of nutty solutions to staying on time — more on that in a future post.

Another nice feature: A battery indicator on the LCD so you’ll know in advance if you’re running out of juice. The unit includes a compact neoprene case and takes up negligible space in your briefcase or purse. The unit is so portable that I always bring it along. You’d be surprised how many times even high-level conferences don’t provide workable equipment. Just don’t leave it behind when everyone asks you to borrow it!