PowerPoint has a smart little-known feature built in: presenter view. The screen on your laptop is different from the full-screen view the audience sees.
  1. Slide count
  2. Current slide
  3. Notes
  4. One slide back
  5. Marker
  6. Opens a menu (black screen, white screen, other functions)
  7. Next slide
  8. Presentation timer
  9. Slide sequence
In order for it to work, you need to setup your computer for 2 monitors (The primary monitor is your laptop, the second one the big projector) in windows control panel/display properties. After that, in the PowerPoint slideshow menu, set up slide show and go to the multiple monitors section.
UPDATE: From the comments below, John Goalby is pointing to his very detailed, free ebook on the subject of Presenter View.

SlideMagic: a platform for magical presentations. Free student plan available. LEARN MORE