What I have to say about lecterns and podiums is academic, but nevertheless worth mentioning.

A podium is a raised platform on which a speaker (or an athlete) stands (look left.)  A lectern is the upright object on which he or she places her papers (look right.)

I know this because my schoolboy Latin tells me so.  Podium, as I remember, comes from the Latin word pes, pedis which means foot.  Think of the word pedal or podiatrist.

Lectern comes from lectere, meaning to read. Think of the word lecture.

There!  I have said it and will not say it again.

Tags: communications skills, effective presentations, executive speech coach, lectern, podium, presentation tips, presentation training, public speaking