Introduction to Lectern and Podium
When you think of someone giving a speech or a lecture, you may imagine them standing behind a raised stand or an elevated platform. These are known as a lectern and a podium, respectively.
While both terms are often used interchangeably, they are not quite the same thing. In this article, we will explore the differences between a lectern and a podium, their definitions, their uses, and their features.
Definition of Lectern
A lectern is a raised stand used to support a speaker’s notes or speeches. The term comes from the Latin word “lectus,” which means “to read.” The primary function of a lectern is to hold written or printed material, such as notes, books, or manuscripts, allowing the speaker to easily read or recite their content.
A typical lectern has a sloping top that holds the speaker’s notes, while the bottom part stands tall on legs or a base. The angled top is designed to help the speaker keep their eyes on the audience while glancing down at their notes from time to time.
Key to note is the fact that a lectern is not a speakers platform, unlike a podium.
Definition of Podium
A podium also refers to a raised platform on which a speaker stands, but it is more than just a holder of notes. A podium is more of a speaker’s platform.
It is an elevated platform that provides a speaker with a place to stand and address an audience effectively.
The term podium comes from the Greek “podion,” which means “little foot.” Podia can go as high as 6ft, therefore, making the speaker more visible.
Podiums are commonly utilized to give politicians, large audiences, orators, and musicians an area from which they can present themselves, their ideas, or messages to their audiences. On paper, the difference between a lectern and a podium might seem obvious, but in a real-world scenario, it can be less clear.
In many cases, the two are used interchangeably, with one serving as a holder of notes while the other serves as a platform to deliver a speech. However, the difference between a lectern and a podium is important, depending on the event and its needs.
Description of Lectern
A lectern is usually made of wood, sometimes metal or plastic. The most common form of a lectern is a tall, one-legged stand with a large flat area at the top for placing a speaker’s reading materials.
The advantage of a lectern is that it allows a speaker to have their notes positioned at the same height as their face.
A lectern typically has a small shelf or lip to hold the speaker’s notes or tablet, with a microphone attached.
Lecterns are adjustable, allowing a speaker to raise or lower the height to their preference, depending on their height or comfort.
Use of Lectern
Lecterns are typically used by a variety of speakers, including professors, politicians, preachers, celebrities speaking to a larger gathering, and other public speakers in a variety of settings. They are often found in academic institutions, churches, and meeting rooms worldwide.
Lecterns usually come equipped with a microphone to amplify the speaker’s voice over the crowd. The use of a microphone is crucial, especially if the room size or crowd size is large.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between a lectern and a podium is essential, especially when organizing events that require speaking engagements. While both a lectern and a podium serve different purposes, they can be used interchangeably depending on the needs of a given event.
Next time you attend a lecture, it would be best to take a closer look at the speaker’s platform, whether it is a lectern, a podium, or a combination of both, to appreciate the function and beauty they bring to any event.
Description of Podium
As mentioned above, a podium is a raised platform that allows a speaker to stand out and be seen by their audience. It is a small platform, typically a foot or two off the ground, that provides a speaker with a designated area to address their audience from.
A podium is usually narrower compared to a lectern, yet the speaker has better visibility and mobility.
Podiums are sometimes equipped with a small lip or shelf at the front, primarily to keep the speaker’s materials.
Podiums can have in-built features such as AV ports to assist with giving visual presentations, music connectivity, and sound controls. The raised height of podiums allows speakers to address a larger crowd comfortably, making vocal projection a lot easier.
Use of Podium
Podiums are utilized in a variety of settings, ranging from academic institutions, conference centers, to religious gatherings worldwide. Podiums are primarily employed to facilitate public speaking, presentations, hosting events, and in some cases, debate sessions.
Public speaking requires the speaker to address a crowd, and the raised level of the podium enables them to face the audience with ease, enhances gesture visibility, and body language. Podiums can be an essential tool in enhancing the speaker’s stage presence, attention-grabbing ability, and maintaining control of the event.
Podiums are also an excellent tool for efficiently organizing conferences or seminars. They provide an area for a moderator to focus the audience’s attention, introduce speakers, and keep the event flowing.
Difference between Lectern and Podium
The difference between a lectern and a podium is crucial, especially when organizing events that require specific equipment. Here are the prominent differences between a lectern and a podium:
Position of the Speaker
One of the most significant differences between a lectern and a podium is where the speaker stands or addresses the audience. A speaker stands behind a lectern, while a podium serves as a platform from which the speaker stands on.
The speaker behind a lectern looks down at their notes. Conversely, when a speaker stands on a podium, they face the audience, allowing better eye contact and engaging communication with the crowd.
Technical Features
Lecterns are typically designed with an angled top, holder, or a shelf for the speaker’s notes or tablet. A lectern usually comes with a built-in microphone, which allows the speaker’s voice to be projected over a large crowd.
Lecterns can be portable or fixed, and they usually don’t come with any sophisticated technical features. Podiums, on the other hand, can come equipped with video ports, sound amplification, music connectivity, digital controls, and visual features.
Speakers sometimes give presentations or use visual aids, and the integration of AV ports can enhance the experience of the audience. Podiums can have colored panels or rear-lighting, contributing to the decor at an event.
Use
Lecterns and podiums are utilized for different purposes, depending on the event and the occasion’s specific needs. Lecterns are used primarily to hold a speaker’s notes or written material, whereas podiums are used to enhance the speaker’s projection, stage presence, and overall control of the event.
Lecterns are suitable for smaller venues while podiums are an ideal platform for a large crowd, making it easier for the audience to connect with the speaker. The speaker’s podium placement highlights their importance at the event, and the raised level makes them stand out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between a lectern and a podium is significant and should be considered when organizing events. While both accommodates public speaking, they have different technical features, uses, and positions of the speaker.
A podium provides better visibility and sound projection, making it ideal for larger crowds or events requiring audio-visual presentations. On the other hand, a lectern focuses more on providing the speaker with a place to hold their notes and allowing them to read their material comfortably while engaging with the audience.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between a lectern and a podium is essential when organizing events that require speaking engagements. While both hold a speaker’s notes, a lectern is primarily for notes, while a podium is both a raised platform and holder of notes, making it ideal for larger crowds or audiovisual presentations.
Moreover, podiums allow for better visibility, mobility, and sound projection, while lecterns place more emphasis on ease of reading notes while looking at the audience. Awareness of the distinction between a lectern and a podium is necessary for the proper arrangement of equipment during events, enhancing the audience experience, creating a lasting impression and appreciation of the event’s speakers and presenters.