Speaking from a lectern – 5 tips
Delivering a keynote speech, townhall, or lecture from behind a lectern is a great way to command a room within a very specific space.
But, having watched some speakers recently do just that, here’s some tips that I hope can help.
1️⃣ Height – How high is the lectern compared to you? If you have time, visit the venue so you can gauge if it’s too high, too low or just right. You do not want to stoop to read your notes.
2️⃣ Mic – Does it have a microphone? And how tall is it? If it’s too low and you are tall DO NOT stoop. You will be looking down and delivering. Instead, stay tall and project your voice. The mic will still pick up the audio.
3️⃣ Notes – If possible, bullet point your speech. That way, the audience becomes your primary focus. If you have the speech written in full, you revert to a ‘reading’ voice, while looking down too much, so your delivery loses its dynamism.
4️⃣ Paper placement – Try to have your notes at an angle so they are not flat on the surface. Again, if you look down and speak you constrict the vocal folds, so your voice is not powerful.
5️⃣ Physical presence – You can still use gesture, indeed as the space is small, movement is good. But, beware of legs creeping out too much to the left or to the right. Best to keep them hip-width apart behind the lectern.
Any others to add from your personal experience?
🏆⭐️ Helping Good Speakers Become Great Speakers.