The Lectern

May 16, 2025

A recent safety conference in Orlando pulled out all the stops for attendees: big video screens, colorful lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system. But one thing caught my eye – the lectern – where speakers delivered their presentations.

This lectern was deluxe. It had dual microphones, retractable shelves on each side, cupholders, and a remote control to raise and lower the lectern to the perfect height.

Most of us will never speak from such a fancy lectern, but if one of your presentation goals for this year is to MAKE IT BETTER, consider the following tips.

1. Step away from the lectern

Kevin Geiken is a producer and director for corporate events, and one of his tasks is to help keynote speakers succeed. Geiken says not every presenter belongs behind a lectern.

“Lecterns are meant for formal remarks,” Geiken said in a recent interview with Wixted & Co . “There’s a certain air of authority that comes from speaking behind a lectern.”

But with that authority comes a physical barrier between you and your audience, and that can work against you in certain settings. Consider leaving your notes on the lectern and using purposeful movement to deliver a more engaging presentation.

2. Get your head out of your notes

If you only need to read a statement, it is advisable to speak from the lectern. However, using a lectern does not give you permission to read your speech or presentation. Reading to an audience is the fastest way to lose their attention and engagement.

3. Use your hands

A question we are often asked during our training sessions is, “What should I do with my hands?” The simple answer is, “Use them,” even when speaking from a lectern.

“Sometimes when a person gets behind a lectern, they forget they’ve been using their hands their whole life,” Geiken said. “That lectern isn’t going anywhere. You don’t need to hold it down by gripping the sides.”

Instead, find a comfortable spot for your hands that allows you to gesture as you naturally would when having a conversation.

4. Rehearse

If a rehearsal is scheduled, don’t skip it. This is your chance to size up the lectern, get a feel for its microphone and check out the lighting, which can be drastic depending on the production.

5. Breathe

One final lectern tip to MAKE IT BETTER – especially if you don’t have enough time to rehearse – is to pause for a moment at the start of your presentation.

“Take a second when you first get on stage to settle in,” Geiken said. “The audience will wait for you, and they’ll appreciate it in the long run that you took a breath to get yourself situated.”  

Whether you’re speaking from a lectern or you have full control of the stage, the team at Wixted & Company can help you with your next big presentation: https://www.thinkwixted.com/services/communication-training.