When you learn that a standard speaking tool is actually illegal. How my subject matter of 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 neatly collided with my art: 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴.

Today, I discovered — thanks to etiquette expert William Hanson, who was arrested for this at Geneva Airport — that presentation clickers with built-in laser pointers are banned in Switzerland. 

Now, I often speak there, and I used to work for a Swiss bank, so it’s not unfamiliar territory. 

And yet, I had 𝘯𝘰 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 this was a thing.

A few years ago, I learned that being a professional speaker means being your own AV department. Laptop? Check. HDMI adapter? Of course. Clicker? Always. 

Especially if, like me, you're finessing your slides until five minutes before showtime to make them super-relevant.

My first clicker was a simple Logitech one with a timer and a pointer. 

I later upgraded it to a swankier one with a digital spotlight and a nicer grip. 

But I kept the old one as a backup, and I've often travelled with both, though I’ve only ever taken the newer one when speaking in Switzerland.

Which is lucky, because since 1 June 2019, they’ve banned the import, possession and use of handheld laser pointers above Class 1, including most standard clickers.

You don't even have to 𝘶𝘴𝘦 it. Just having one in your bag can land you in trouble;  fines, confiscation, awkward airport chats, the lot.

Two takeaways:

1. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀; if you’re working in Switzerland, be aware of this. To avoid the problem, I recommend the Logitech Spotlight: no laser, no drama.

2. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: here's a textbook cross-border example of something that's entirely normal in most jurisdictions, but illegal in another. It's not at all obvious to people from outside Switzerland that this law exists, so very easy to get yourself in hot water without meaning to. While most countries allow Class 2 lasers but have harsh penalties for misuse — point one at a plane, and you're in big trouble — Switzerland has the 'zero trust' alternative.

I'm just pleased I found out before getting into trouble, because I'd hate to have had to tell them what I talk about...🤭

Every day is a school day when it comes to Compliance. 

Ever been tripped up by a local rule on your travels?