QuickBites: It's Time to Come Out From Behind the Lectern.

Welcome to QuickBites—public speaking tips and techniques you can digest in five minutes or less.

Have you ever seen speakers who appear almost grateful to stand behind a lectern? Many of them believe that lecterns—no matter the size—shield them from their audiences. It’s another security blanket. Unfortunately, having an unusual piece of furniture between people having a conversation isn’t natural, and once behind it, speakers unconsciously feel awkward—leading them to get even more nervous and uncomfortable.

What Happens Behind the Lectern

When standing at a lectern, it’s natural to interact with it in ways that distract your audience. Some speakers endlessly fidget with the gooseneck microphone support. Others lean their elbows on it—believing it looks casual, but instead looking like they’ve lost energy. Some plant their hands at the top corners in a relaxed grip, while others hold on for dear life as if they’re going down with the Titanic.

Step Away from the Lectern

When you speak, you can often request that there be no lectern at all. If you want one to hold notes or water, a small side table serves the same purpose. Sometimes a hosting company will anchor a lectern center-stage because that’s what they’re accustomed to—don’t fret. Use it for your notes and water, but don’t use it as a shield. Instead, speak from both sides of it.

Bonus Tip: Lectern vs. Podium

Although these words are often used interchangeably, a lectern and a podium are different things. You stand on a podium and behind a lectern. When speaking with meeting planners, use the correct terms—or better yet, replace them entirely: use “platform” instead of “podium” and “stand” instead of “lectern” to avoid any mix-up.

Thank you for devouring another episode of QuickBites. Are you ready to be calm, confident, and credible every time you speak in public? Then visit petergeorgepublicspeaking.com and let’s make it happen. I’ll see you next time.