Have you ever wondered why some speakers always speak from behind a lectern or a podium and others don't like to have anything between themselves and the audience? Is it just personal preference? Are some speakers more comfortable when they can get right down among their listeners and look them in the eye? Do others feel they should always maintain a safe distance between them? Are there any rules that govern when there should be something between you and the audience and when there shouldn't?

            To be or not to be closer to your audience? That is the question.

            The answer is: it depends.

            First, just what is the difference between a lectern and a podium? And does it matter?

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When you have to give a speech, no matter what the occasion, what’s the first thing you do?

            If you said, “Panic!”, you’re not alone. 

            The question is, why?  What is so fearful about having to give a speech?

            Let’s start with the basics.  The first thing you need to do is write the speech.  How hard is that?  Here are a few comments I’ve heard recently.                                                           

            “I want to sound like Steve Jobs, but I feel like Elmer Fudd.”

            “I don’t know where to begin or how to organize my ideas.”

            “I’m not funny.  Nobody ever laughs at my jokes.”

            “I don’t have a problem getting up to speak. I just don’t have time to write a speech!”

There’s a solution to all of these difficulties. 

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