Evident Productions

If you do a search in the iTunes store, there are plenty of apps that you can find for remotely controlling and “firing” your slides during your presentation. Many of them have very elaborate options which will allow you to view your slides, notes, and will allow you to flip through your deck remotely.

For me, when I’m presenting I think simplicity. If there are things that I can eliminate to prevent Mr. Murphy and his law from getting a front row seat during my presentation then I am all about that.

Understanding that premise, I’ve found that a very simplistic app called 1 for All Remote Presenter. The app is $2.99. I think once you start using it you’ll find it’s more than worth the money. It has two very simple buttons forward and back.

When I’m presenting I don’t ever want to look down and use my iPhone screen to shuffle through slides. If I’m desperate to get to that point or completely disorganized with my flow (which doesn’t happen), then I will simply go to my laptop and enter in the slide number. I simply need a remote that will allow me to advance, and if I mistakenly bumped the forward key twice then I want one button that will simply allow me to go back one animation or slide.

Unfortunately there’s not a PC version for this software at this time. For Mac users though this app has a remote control software piece that resides on your computer. The software piece simply connects with the iPhone app and then “relays” the commands to Keynote, or Powerpoint for your presentation.

This is a great tool and I highly recommend it. If you ever see me at a speaking engagement with my iPhone in my hand on stage, you’ll know what I’m using to control the show.

If you’re wanting to use your iPhone as a remote, try out several applications and invest the $15-$20. Find one that works for your presentation style. You may want more options, but I would suggest you lean towards the side of simplicity. The less variables you have inline with your presentation the less can go wrong or would distract from your speech and content.

Regardless of what app you feel comfortable with there are some key points that you should take into account when presenting while using a remote. Here’s just a few to help start you in the right direction:

1) Turn OFF the phone portion of your iPhone or other smart phone when presenting.

I’ve seen this get people into trouble. They’ll forget to do so and in the middle of their presentation a ring will come through, or a mail message will “buzz” distracting away from their focus on the audience. This is bad taste, and shows poor planning.

2) Create a before show checklist for yourself.

Make sure you turn the phone off. Check to make sure your computer is outputting at the right resolution. Above all make SURE you’ve plugged the power cord in. Things like this can make or BREAK THE SHOW for you. When they break the show you will want to kick yourself when you realize it would have taken SECONDS if you would have thought about it PRIOR to your presentation.

3) Make sure you setup a network between your phone or smart remote and your computer exclusively.

Using a shared network that may be accessible at your events for one and all is a VERY BAD THING to consider when using a WiFi based presentation remote. I always, always, ALWAYS make sure that I setup a SECURE NETWORK prior to my presentation that is exclusive between my LAPTOP AND my PHONE. NO ONE else is allowed access. They don’t need access to my computer during my presentation. This makes sure whatever system failures, or IT maintenance that the staff may decide to do during your session will not inhibit the success and flow of YOUR presentation based on THEIR technical difficulties.Make sure you PRACTICE with your remote prior to using it on stage. Find out the “qwerks” of the program, interface software, and how it’s going to REACT with your presentation program. Thinking through and doing these steps prior to getting on the stage or walking into the room for your presentation will help make YOURS a success.

To fine out more about the 1 for All presenter app, click here.