A solid platform to stand on when speaking is the podium. It elevates the speaker, helps with presence, and is distinct from a lectern, which is primarily a stand for notes. Here’s a concise guide to understanding and choosing the right platform and related supports for public speaking.
Key platform distinctions
- Podium: A raised platform that the speaker stands on to be visible and audible to the audience. It often conveys authority and helps project voice in large rooms.
- Lectern: A raised, slanted surface used to place notes or a speech. The speaker typically stands behind it.
- Pulpit: An enclosed or ornate elevated pulpit used in religious settings. Less common in secular public speaking.
Quick guidance for choosing
- Large venues or conferences: use a podium to maximize visibility and presence. Ensure the podium height suits your comfort and allows natural gestures.
- Formal presentations with notes: a lectern can keep materials at eye level and reduce looking down, aiding smooth delivery.
- Impromptu or street-level talks: a soapbox-style setup is a historical example of standing on a raised surface to address a crowd. In modern events, you’d typically use a stage with a podium or a portable lectern.
Practical tips
- Check the venue beforehand for available equipment: podium height, stage space, and whether a lectern or podium will be provided.
- Practice with the actual platform if possible: practice stance, microphone positioning, and eye contact with the audience.
- If you need to switch between materials and speaking flow, a lectern can be helpful for managing notes, while a podium places you more prominently to engage with the audience.
If you’d like, share your event type (conference, classroom, workshop), venue size, and whether you’ll have notes, and I can tailor platform recommendations and setup steps.
